Well, here we are in March. Seriously, who thought we’d see it through this long? So far we’ve seen God do some quite extraordinary things through God52 – from healing relationships to seeing miracles reported. We’re quite sure He’s nowhere near finished yet. This is a journey of inner transformation – of seeing Christ ‘formed’ in us as Paul suggests in Galatians 4 v 19. That takes time, so we’re in for the long haul – we hope you are too.
This week, we’re going to be attempting to live out an aspect of Christ’s character – his presence among people. Contrary to some Christmas cards, Jesus wasn’t born into poverty. His father had a trade and an income, and that trade was passed on to him. He didn’t have to mix with the people in his society who most obviously needed help; he made a decision to do so. He chose to be present among people in need. Not only that – the presence of Jesus invariably meant action. He answered searching questions; he healed sickness; he fed the hungry. Jesus’ presence was active, not passive.
This week then, we’re going to practice ‘active presence’. Or to put it into language that doesn’t sound like management jargon, we’re going to put love into action:
10: Find someone who has a need, and meet that need.
As always, you can interpret this challenge however you like. You could choose to help out a friend or family member in some way. You might study the words of your work colleagues or school friends, to see if there’s something in their lives that you could clearly help with. Maybe you know a couple who could really do with a free babysitter, allowing them to have a much-needed evening out; perhaps someone you know is struggling financially, and you have the resources to help them out.
Or you could push it further. You could knock on an elderly neighbour who can no longer tend their over-run garden, or go along to a local homeless project and offer to volunteer. The possibilities are limitless – the rules are painfully simple. Find a need, meet a need. It’s what Jesus did; it’s one practical way to see the Kingdom extended both in and through you this week.
So get ready to put your faith and your love for people into action. Be an unexpected present to someone, simply by being present. Who knows what God might choose to do through us when we step out for Him in this way? The world is full of needs. Let’s go.
We’re always on the look out for guest bloggers. If you’d like to write a guest post this week on putting faith into action or practicing ‘active presence’, please read our writing guidelines, then drop me an email.
I’d really like to somehow be present for @Stroopwaffle for #God52 this week. The only way I can think of doing this is through twitter. She’s undergoing acute physical suffering and distress (more than usual) and undergoing some horrible medical stuff. Wouldn’t it be nice if somehow you, with the help of @Tanya_Marlow and others, could arrange for lots of people (I may be being ambitious, but I hope we can get hundreds) to send her a tweet. To encourage her, let her know she’s not alone, we haven’t forgotten her and are praying for her. How amazing that would be. To be present for her in the valley of the shadow of death. I really hope that this can somehow be arranged. @vickybeeching and @kouya may be able to help too, as they know her. I’m not on twitter myself so I don’t think I can do much but I hope it can be arranged somehow. Too ambitious? With God involved, nothing is too ambitious.
Thanks for nothing.
I’m sorry Julie that this didn’t work out. I did point people to the comment originally – which if you’re not on twitter, obviously you won’t have known – but for whatever reason this didn’t quite happen. Now – I’m not saying ‘never mind’ and walking away – I’m just stating the fact. The Internet gives people this constant stream of opportunities to get involved with things, and sometimes they grab people, and sometimes they don’t – it seems almost arbitrary.
So we need to do something else. Because this lady’s life is incredibly difficult, she is a sister in Christ, she needs our help, and now God has punctured both of our consciences for her. I don’t know her – but if you do, could we tell her story? And then rally people to pray for and encourage her? Maybe you could drop me an email via the about section (I don’t want to write out my email address in full as I’ll attract SPAM)?
Again – I’m sorry. Let’s do something now.
Great job.