“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10 NIV)

Not long ago, a visitor here in Atlin, British Columbia, Canada, who was suffering with Alzheimer’s, became lost. He wandered away from the home of friends where he was staying.

The Search and Rescue team immediately went into action. The person who found this gentleman, however, was a young teenager out riding on his quad. He had heard about the search, and thus, when he encountered this man, he recognized that he was the one who was lost. He stopped, dismounted, and escorted the fellow back to safety. No one knows what may have happened if this conscientious young man had not been on the lookout and helped this gentleman.

Likewise, God calls each one of us to be on the lookout in regard to opportunities to do good to others, both within and outside of the family of believers. Sometimes, people become lost in grief, depression, anger, unbelief, or complacency, just to name a few situations. Sometimes, they are total strangers to us; other times, we may know them well. Whichever the case, the Lord desires that we seek always to be sensitive to His Holy Spirit, who is able to alert us to people struggling within stressful situations. When He does, let us also remember that He is also able to show us how to minister to them within their need.

Today is a brand-new day, and each one of us has the opportunity to be on the lookout for those whom God knows need our help. May we each pray for our hearts to be open to the leading of His Spirit, that we may do good to all people, that as many as possible might be encouraged, helped, uplifted, and, yes, even restored to well-being in Him.

Prayer: Father God, may we not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, may we do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. In Christ’s name, we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada

Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author’s permission