What Moves You?

Do situations or people move you? Do circumstances change how you feel or perceive things?


The bible says that Jesus was moved with compassion and he still is.


What do you think when you pass an older man, sitting on a curb with his hand out for money...his clothes are tattered and torn...his beard is tangled and messy. He looks as though he hasn't slept in weeks. Are you thinking "wow, this is a great opportunity to share God's love and be a true witness of Christ" or are you thinking what some people think, "Look at this bum. I feel bad for him, but he can help himself."


I think back to the Good Samaritan.


How many people passed up an opportunity to be a blessing? To be a friend? To help someone in need?


Ask yourself today...what if it was you? Imagine for a second, yourself sitting on a park bench...bleeding, sick and starving. Two people stroll by, giggling...then they point and stare for a second, but continue on walking and giggling. Then another person...he stops for a minute and asks if you are ok, you say that you need help but he continues walking away..fast. You feel ashamed, lonely and deeply saddened.


Last Summer while hanging out with a few of my guy friends, we noticed an older man walking around by us and he was carrying a duffel bag. He was very clean and even decently shaven, etc. God gave me a word for him...all he said was "he is lonely." I prayed over the word and trusted that God would give me wisdom to be able to do something about it, if that's why he had told me. And he did.
We had walked away from the man...walking closer towards the river...and I happened to look over and see the man again. He was now standing very close to us. I knew in my heart that I should encourage him in the Lord. I told my friend Aaron about the word that I got for him and asked him (being a man) to offer some encouragement to the gentleman.


Aaron came back after speaking with the man for a few minutes and said that the word that God gave me was right on. The man was homeless. He had been staying at a shelter but I guess his time was up. He had also been to a chapel service moments before walking by the water.


No matter how small the word or nudging on your heart....no matter how small the conviction..or how large the fear....we should always be obedient to God's calling. Imagine what that word of encouragement did for that man? I'm sure he was very sad inside and even thought, "what do these kids think of me?" As he stood along side of us.


It made me cry. It was the compassion and grace of God's heart that moved me to speak that word. I praise God that Aaron was also obedient to share with him...


Next time you are moved by a situation or person....whether it be towards anger or sorrow...fear of failure...let it only be God's hand that moves you....it will always be with love or compassion....


Learn of his character today...