Yesterday I was pumping gas into my
car minding my own business when a young lady approached me holding a baby in
her arms. She was parked on the other side of the gas pump. Polite I went over
to her side. She said, “Can you please
help me put some gas into my car. My card has been denied.” Being the great
man of faith that I am, my first thought was, “Oh yea, what kind of scam is this?” Immediately I heard a voice
within me, “Help her!” I filled up
her gas tank, told her that God loved her and we went on her own ways.
As I drove off, I couldn’t help but
think how close I was to losing an opportunity to help someone. Every day I
pray to God to share the Gospel with others. I’ve learnt that most people have
heard about our Lord but they don’t know how He looks like. The Bible teaches
that the goodness of God leads people to repentance.
One way we all can put a smile on God’s
face is by becoming a problem solver. Often we think God requires for us to do
something big, sacrifice something we love or become a missionary but just the
opposite is true. God simply wants us to solve little problems that come in our
daily lives.
In traffic, we can prefer another
person. At work, we can be reliable and do our job without complaining. We can
be accommodating to our co-workers. We can keep a positive attitude when
everyone is criticizing the management. We can be a little more forgiving and
have a smile and song in our heart all day long. If we’re willing, God will put
people in our path to solve their problems. When we are solving little problems
with a good attitude, one day God will help us kill a giant and become ruler
over much.
We can solve little problems at home.
Instead of thinking, “Me first” we
can have an attitude to serve. It’s amazing when we reach out to bless others;
we inspire them to do the same. Solve little problems. Finish the “honey-do” list that’s on the fridge for
months. Get the closet or the garage clean. Take the family out for a picnic. When
we invest in our own family we add value to them. By solving little problems we’re
saying, “You’re important to me.”
Another way we can solve problems is
simply by listening to people. I counsel people on a regular basis. Bulk of the
time I listen. I’ve learnt that most people know the answers to their problems.
They just need to process their thoughts with someone. When we lend our
listening ears, we help them figure out a way out of their situation.
Some of you reading this are thinking,
“This all sounds good Sandy but who will
solve my problem?” Here’s the key. When we help solve other people’s
problems, God will take care of ours. Everything you do for people in the name
of our Lord will be rewarded. We cannot out give God. Today, let’s reach out and
help the people God brings in our path. What we do with an opportunity to help
others will determine what people think about our God. Let’s be a problem solver and represent our God well.
“Don't forget to show hospitality to
strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without
realizing it” (Hebrews 13:2
NLT)!
What are your thoughts?
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