By: Juliet Constantine
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18)
My husband makes friends easily with persons who are homeless or mentally challenged. Anywhere he sees them he always strikes up a conversation with them, getting information such as their names and so on. On the flip side of it, these persons always seem to enjoy talking with him – maybe because he listens and is kind to them. He has always related the stories told to him by some of these people – some funny, and some that let you pause and think if these individuals are mentally challenged or really unstable. We have one such person who comes for ‘tea’ every morning. He only needs tea and bread – or tea only, if that’s all we have.
My mind wandered on individuals who only need ‘tea’ and bread but are unable to afford such ‘luxury’ (as it is to them). We’ve heard many stories of persons in far away lands such as Africa, India, Asia, and other parts of the world that live in abject poverty: we rejoice when various organizations lend a helping hand. But as we help, let us remember those in our ‘backyard’.
I praise God for His love that lifted me. Like many, I was brought up in a poor family with only a mother who worked 12 hours (or more) per day at her domestic job to provide the basic necessities for her children. There were days when the ration was meager; but no matter how small, there was still something to eat – we never went without breakfast or went to bed without dinner. God had always provided. Even if it was a borrowed crepe for graduation or "seconds" clothing for Church, we were happy for His benevolent provision for our lives. And so I give, happily (in whatever degree I can), to those who are in need.
It has always been my desire to operate a home for the homeless and unwanted children; to provide a loving atmosphere where they can bloom and realize their full potential. But until that dream is realized, I will brighten the corner where I am. I will do what I can, even if it is to give ‘tea’ and bread to the mentally challenged.
I am still thankful for God’s continued blessings over my life even today. As I reflected on the past, there’s no room to boast; but, I lift my voice in thanksgiving for all His mercies toward me, and look for opportunities to share the gospel to the poor. It was His love that lifted me and it is His love that has lifted or will lift you. No matter our station in life, we can all be a blessing to others. Let us avail ourselves as His instruments through which others (and the poor) can be blessed. He lifted me – He will carry you!!
Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways. Please help us to carry the gospel to the poor who are placed among us to be a blessing to us. Thank You for Your love that lifted us. Help us to lift up each other, in whatever way we can, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
