God In Flesh
by Sharon L. Reidenbach
The little girl called from her bedroom, “I’m scared.” The
sitter opened the door.
“What’s wrong? I’m right here. Now close your eyes.”
By the third time the baby sitter said, “Look honey, God
is with you. He won’t let anything harm you. Remember He lives inside
of you.”
The little girl sniffed and said, “ I know all that. But
right now I need someone with clothes on!” Her innocence spoke
volumes!
Do you feel like you live in, and are calling from, a
department store display window as your needs are clearly evident?
Yet, people call out as they pass by watching you juggle your
challenging struggles: “Boy, your plate is full.” “We’re praying for
you.” “Must run, meeting, but many thoughts come your way.” And
they’re off. And you wonder, Doesn’t anyone see or hear my cry?
As the weeks and months go by, the load increases. Now
those running by extend their wishes to: “Bless your heart! May God
hear your prayer. I’m off to Bible study. We will pray. Remember, God
is in everything. He’s here with you.” Like the little girl, you know
this. But you’re drowning, and physically need someone to throw you a
lifeline, but don’t know how to ask.
James 2: 15-17 confronts the stand from a distance
attitude: “Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if
you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely
talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For
instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved
and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with
the Holy Spirit’ and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a
cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk
without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?”
It’s true, the demands of “life” can cloud our vision, and
muffle our ears from seeing and hearing the needs around us. And it’s
true; there are times when all that is possible for us to give are
deep, heartfelt prayers, blessings of encouragement, and love. But God
knows the difference between quick fixes, and a compassionate heart.
And Paul, in Colossians 3: 23-24 helps us understand the balance: “And
whatsoever you do, do it heartily [not half-way-even with our
blessings or assistance], as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that
from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you
serve the Lord Christ” (NKJV).
In the coming weeks and months shelters from the cold, and
food for those on the street will increase. But may we prayerfully
seek God’s perspective and help on cleaning off our glasses, and
clearing our ears to see and hear those quietly suffering: “Bless you.
I’m praying for you. Now what can I do?” No more empty blessings. And
we just might be God’s extension as the “one with clothes on.”
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