To The Rescue!
Sometimes when a family member or close friend has a need we find ourselves wishing we could fill the need: Their furnace had died, a storm ripped off a section of their roof and the next tuition payment was due. Ugh!! How I longed to step in and fill at least one of the needs.
“Abraham said, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So the two of them walked on together.” (Genesis 22:8, New Revised Standard Version)
After much thought I realized something: each time I swoop in (without the Lord’s leading) and “rescue” someone, I interfere with God’s plan. Just as I need to trust Him for my needs, I need to trust Him for the needs of those I love.
I need to trust that He will provide. Perhaps His provision will be an eleventh hour “rescue,” perhaps not. But without my help, He is still quite capable, and He does have a plan.
His plan will include helping them realize He sees their need, growing their faith and trust in Him and showing them that, one way or another, they will get through the crisis.
When we step in without the Lord’s direction we may feel great; after all, we’ve done a good thing, helped meet another’s very real need. But in doing so, we may stall God’s plan and perhaps prevent a greater blessing.
(C) Debbie Lowe, 2019.