By Carol Round – “But O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. He is my help! He is my God!—Psalm 42:11 (TLB).
I’d started the New Year on a positive note but became discouraged as recovery from my early December surgery seemed to drag on. I was impatient. Upset because I couldn’t yet do the things I’d always taken for granted, I also procrastinated when it came to things I could do.
My home office, piled high with paperwork, was overwhelming. I knew if I only spent some time each day sorting and filing, I wouldn’t be as discouraged. But my gloomy mood further delayed action.
The January cold weather brought snow, which eventually turned to grey slush. Blah! As a news junkie, I also spent too much time watching and listening to what was happening in the world. It was no wonder my mood remained in the dumps. Then, I cried out to God.
Crying Out to God
Crying out to our Lord is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Many passages in both the Old and New Testaments reveal humans crying out to God for help and comfort in their times of need.
When we cry out to our Heavenly Father for help, it communicates our dependence on Him and our faith in His power and love. In crying out to God, we admit He is our source of strength and hope.
The day I cried out to God in my discouragement, I anticipated an answer. However, the answer wasn’t what I expected. I heard a still, small voice urging me to reach outside myself and help someone else. What could I do? How could God use me to help someone when I couldn’t do some things for myself?
Helping Someone Else
As I prayed about helping someone, the Holy Spirit brought to mind a four-year-old at our church who contracted a rare disease from playing in the dirt where raccoons had left their feces. Ryder was 17 months old when he was diagnosed with Baylisascaris.
Doctors said he would never walk again. Although he now suffers from seizures, he has made great progress, including walking. His gait, though, is still hindered by multiple sclerosis, one of the side effects of the disease.
However, Ryder needs more treatments to give him a better quality of life. Insurance won’t pay for the advanced medical treatments. What could I do to help? I learned his grandmother was planning a charity golf tournament. But I don’t play golf.
What Could I Do?
Then, God brought to mind my writing gift. I could help promote the fundraiser. My college background as a journalism major also included public relations classes. My contacts in the media were a blessing.
Suddenly, I became aware of how blessed I am. I reached out to Ryder’s grandmother and offered my help. She gladly accepted.
Later that day, I read Proverbs 11:25. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” No longer discouraged, I praised God for answering my cry for help. My joy overflowed, knowing I was using my gifts for His glory and helping a family in their time of need.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at [email protected] with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Arjun Sharma on Unsplash
