The Most Valuable Gift

The most valuable gift

Job 6:11- 14 "What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient? Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze? Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me? A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty."

Do you have a family member or a friend who is going through a crisis? How have you responded in the midst of it all? Have you avoided them because you don't know what to say or do? Maybe you have come to them and given them an "I told you so." Perhaps you have tried to comfort them but your words and deeds have only added salt in the wound and now you just stay away. When a crisis comes there is a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Most often the feeling of loneliness is overwhelming. It may feel as if no one cares or understands the pain. The stress in the midst of crisis may seem like it is more than anyone could bear.

We know that God is always there in the midst of the pain the midst of the struggle (Isaiah 41:10). As the Body of Christ we...you and I.....are also called to minister to those who are hurting. 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 ...the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Job needed his friends in the midst of his suffering and pain. He was despairing, he was feeling hopeless and he needed his friends. Job's friends did rally around him and for the first week they gave Job exactly what his aching heart needed...their time, presence, comfort and a listening ear. Unfortunately in the time that followed they opened their mouths. Your valuable time and a listening ear is what you can give to those who are hurting. It is timeless and priceless.

Has God placed a friend or family member on your heart? Are you telling yourself you will take care of it later? Do you think there are others who will make the call, make the visit, take the time to listen? God is calling you and me. Don't ignore the voice of God and reach out to the person who has been on your heart and mind. You may be the only person who is answering the call. A time will come when you too will need the most valuable gift you are lovingly and obediently giving away.......your time.
Mary Ann