Thursday, January 31, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Power to Act NOW

Proverbs 3:27-28 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your POWER TO ACT. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you'-when you already have it with you.

"We have GOT to get together soon." How many times have you said something like this to a friend? I am sure when you've said this, you have great intentions, but time passes, you get busy, and you simply forget. It's the same when someone tells you their situation, and you respond with, "I will be praying for you." Will you really remember to pray for them?

Life's distractions cause us to PUT OFF many things for a later date that NEVER seems to come. However, today's verse encourages us to ACT NOW! Each day, God gives us opportunities to share His love. What are you doing with these opportunities?   Are you one to say, "come back tomorrow" when it's in your power and your possession to be a blessing today?

There are a few people in my life that are so diligent with sending out cards. They send thank-you cards, birthday cards, just because cards...we even received one when our dog passed away. The kind words in these cards always lift my Spirit, and I sincerely appreciate those individuals that choose to act immediately and do not put off what is in their hearts to do.

You see, you can be a blessing in many ways. It's not just about what you can give financially.   There are times that your responsibility to give simply comes from saying a few kind words to someone for a job well done or to someone who is discouraged. None of us are empty handed. We all have SOMETHING to give--whether it's our time, money, or words.

I challenge you today to seize the opportunities God gives you daily. Schedule that lunch with an old friend on the spot and write down that person to pray for immediately or grab their hands and pray with them then and there! Most importantly, don't wait until tomorrow to do that good thing that God has enabled you to do "when you already have it with you!"

Dear Lord, Forgive me for missed opportunities to show others Your love. You tell me in Matthew 25:40 that whatever I do for the least of these, I am actually doing it for You. Help me to freely give to others as You have given to me.