So often we ask God to bless us. We want Him to bless our families, our marriages, careers, businesses, relationships, etc. Right now, I’m sure that all of us have some desired outcome with which we’re believing God to bless us. But what would happen if we asked God, more often, to position us to be the blessing . . . to others?
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to visit a friend and see her new apartment. While waiting for her in the lobby, a young woman entered the building pushing a cart that appeared to have two large cake boxes and other items on it. She needed help but was clearly flying solo. Based on her care, she could have easily been guiding a sleeping newborn in an incubator through the Labor and Delivery unit. Those treats were her “babies,” for sure. I could see the pride, happiness and a little fatigue, on her face as she navigated the path. When I asked what was in the boxes, she smiled and said, “Sweet Treats.” This was a young woman working her small business.
Later, as my friend gave me a tour of the building, I ran into the woman, again. I was getting off the elevator when she stopped me to show me pictures of the desserts she’d created and just delivered. They were beautiful, customized and amazing, really. I started to walk away, but God sent me back to her to ask her if I could pray for her. She quickly responded, “Yes! Please! Of course!” I asked her name, held her hand and began to pray.
I don’t know everything I prayed about for her, but I do know that tears began to flow and her voice rang out with “Yes, Lord. Thank you, Lord.” When I finished, as she wiped tears from her eyes (trying not to ruin her makeup) she gave me a big hug and said, “You don’t know how much that meant to me.”
Hurting people need the church but, the church needs to get back to being a blessing. The truth is, most of the people who need “the church” are put off by all the things that “the church” is currently viewed as either being too silent about, supporting or how it is existing in contradiction to what it means to follow Christ. So, we need to be the church and take the blessing to the streets. Someone needs prayer. Someone needs a kind smile or maybe, just a “thank you.” God desires for everyone to feel seen, heard, valued and loved. That’s where we come in.
There is a difference between what has become known as a “Christian,” these days, and those who are following Christ. Fair Warning: Hurting people are backing away from “Christians,” but they will still respond to those who are following Christ. So, to all you Christ Followers, be the real church and go out there and be a blessing.
Keep the Faith, LifeSpeakers!
Love,
Wilma
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