"Help Me"

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains were in a tornado, ravaged Alabama town, bringing hope, comfort, spiritual and emotional care to the victims. They were there working alongside Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief teams. The chaplains were asked to visit a home and deliver a Samaritan's Purse Bible. The Samaritan's Purse team had signed the bible and tried to give it to the homeowner, but she hesitated and asked that it be given when her husband was home.

The chaplains went to the home, on Saturday, when the wife requested. It didn't take long before the chaplains figured out the man had alcohol problems. After sharing his story about the storm, with tears running down his face, he admitted he needed help. The chaplains shared about how God loves him and forgives all sin, that all sin is equal in God's eyes. But the man stated he was not ready to pray and ask forgiveness.  His eyes looked pleadingly into the eyes of the chaplain, almost like an unspoken "help me".

After praying with him, he continued to hold steadfast and would not let go and submit to the Spirit. It was as if, without saying it, he thought he was not 'good enough' or 'worked hard enough.' Chaplains just visited with him and loved on him. When he asked could they come back another day, they assured him that they would be praying for him and would visit his home before leaving town in a few weeks.

Please pray for this man named David, that he will know that you do not need to be perfect before accepting Christ. He says, "Come as you are and your sins will be forgiven".

We as Christians often wish we could step in and do the 'salvation' for someone. But we know Christ died for each and everyone and everyone one has to make their own choice. We have met people who think they are 'good' and will go to heaven because of the way they have lived their life. Other times we have met people who think they must 'clean up' their own life before surrendering to Christ. This was the condition David felt the day we visited him.

Friends, we can never be 'good enough' or 'clean' enough on our own to enter into heaven. Only through the blood of Christ can we be cleansed from our sin. John 14:6 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

I think of all the times others have said, "The Rapid Response Chaplains or Samaritan's Purse do good work." I do agree, but at the same time think and sometimes share, it is a reflection of Jesus. Jesus is the reason a Christian should do good. On the side of the Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief trucks it plainly and boldly states "Helping in Jesus' Name" for a reason. It is Christians going out to share the love of Christ by helping those in need. 

When we come home, we take off our chaplain or SP shirts on the outside, but we are still the same on the inside. We still need to share His love in our own community. Isn't this what all Christians are called to do? Let's mount up, soar like eagles and go share Jesus! It only takes a little smile, helping hand or a plate of food to someone in need.......they are crying, "Help me."

Blessings,
gs