doing good

The Christmas carol “Do You Hear What I Hear?” asks three questions.

“Do you see what I see?”
“Do you hear what I hear?”
“Do you know what I know?”

The Holy Spirit is asking people those same questions today.

“Do you see what I see?”
He wants those who are taking the time to look around to see the need for people to see Jesus as God’s Son and to accept him as their Lord and Savior. To ask him for forgiveness for their sins and to enter into a life with God.

I have mentioned many times that if we trust God with our needs and concerns, we are free to see the needs of others. Satan wants us not to trust God and not see others’ need for a Savior. He works so hard to keep people’s lives in chaos!

“Do you hear what I hear?”
Do you hear people crying out for help? Not only America but every country has enormous needs and big problems. People are trying so hard to fix those issues with their strength and mind. The root problem for most of them is there is a lack of love! Some know the answer is found in God, but they fear turning their lives and countries over to Him for help, guidance, wisdom, and solutions.

“Do you know what I know?”
The Holy Spirit wants us to feel the urgency of the hour. The clock is ticking, and time is winding down to the triumphant return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is also whispering like a wind to those who are quiet, content, grazing in green pastures, “See, Jesus. He is Dancing in the night.” He is asking the shepherds, “Hear, Jesus. He is singing high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea.” Then, the Holy Spirit is asking our leaders, “Are you warm and comfortable with the way things are? Yet Jesus is here waiting to help. Come. Ask, and give Him the praise and glory He is due.”

The Holy Spirit is hoping the leaders of the world will say to the people everywhere, “Listen to what I say! Pray for peace, people, everywhere, listen to what I say! The Child, the Child sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light.”

But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims,

A sight to take your breath away!
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God!

But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to.
Rom. 10:14-17 (MSG)

Are you like a lamb, listening? A shepherd watching? Or perhaps you are one who has the resources to help others.

This week I choose to do something I didn’t want to do. My heart was restless as the date approached. I discussed the situation with a friend, and also with my wife. Then two days before the event my wife, my helpmate, said one word. As soon as I heard it, I knew. I knew what I had to do. I was thankful for her hearing God where I struggled.

You see, there are times when someone hurts you, and the pain goes deep into your heart. You tell them what they did, but they don’t care at all, and their pride keeps them from admitting wrong and apologizing. When this happens, you find yourself wanting to avoid them to protect your heart from future pain. As well, you don’t want to do anything for them, as you feel they do not deserve it. I had forgiven them, but I didn’t want to see them. I don’t mean to be so secret about the details, but I don’t want to give any clues that might identify the perp.

God’s word tells how to handle hurt:

Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love. Ephesians 4:31-32 TPT

Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28 NLT

I did do the right thing, but I had to pray, a lot, and ask God for help. I also asked him to protect me, and help me not bring up the past while I was there. They did do one thing that bothered me while I was in their presence, but I left before the pain erupted. God is good at helping us in our time of need. His specialty is loving those who don’t deserve it.

If you are facing a similar situation, pray, and ask God to help you do the right thing that will glorify Him. You never know, but your loving kindness might just be the catalyst to change things around.