Often I live as though I need to bring something to the table in order to be used by God. Maybe a gift or experience that can be used to answer questions and comfort hurting hearts. That is when I forget that my greatest asset is Jesus Christ. I don't have to have been a prostitute to help a prostitute, I don't have to be an orphan to love an orphan. God gives us gifts to help people, but these gifts can only be used if they are fueled by Christ. Lately I've been figuring out that Christ doesn't need me at all. And He doesn't need my failed attempts at helping someone on my terms, apart from Him.
In Acts 3 there is a story about a lame beggar who sat at the city gates begging for alms. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Peter didn't make that lame man walk, it was Jesus Christ.
Some of you may remember a previous post titled Crying in My Pillow
In that post I talked about a lesson I had learned the hard way. I had trusted in my strength to sustain me and my ability to love others to be sufficient. In the end I found myself burnt out and not really loving anyone.
Apart from Christ, we have NOTHING, nada, zippo, nothing. We have no resources to bring to the table, only Christ. The other day I was talking to a friend. She was hurting dramatically. She wanted answers. I found myself speechless. There was nothing I could think of that would be a comfort or help to her. That was when I remembered Christ. All I have is Jesus and that is all I need. He is the greatest hope and comfort. All I could do was show her the love Christ had for her.
Now don't get me wrong. We are Christ's hands and feet. One of the ways they will know the love of Christ is through us. But when we begin operating apart from Him, trusting in our ability and knowledge then we cease to show His love.
It is only when we surrender to Christ do we begin to truly love others.
And that is when beautiful things happen and when hearts are changed.~
