Psalm 145 v 8: The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion

In the Old testament, David knew that God was compassionate and gracious, and he reflected this in acts of kindness towards others when he became King.

One example of this was that he went out of his way to be kind to Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan. Mephibosheth was a young child when both his father and grandfather died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. Hearing of their deaths, Mephibosheth’s nurse took him and fled in panic. (2 Samuel 4:4) In her haste, the child fell, or was dropped while fleeing.

After that, he was unable to walk. When he became King, David sought him out and we are told that Mephibosheth “ate at David’s table like one of the King’s sons” (2 Samuel 9 v 11).

Working with clients at St George’s Crypt I have grown to realise the truth that small acts of kindness and compassion can mean a lot to people, but just how much it means sometimes takes me by surprise. This week myself and my student treated a man in physiotherapy who has been homeless on and off for several years. Before leaving I supplied him with a back support which he really needed and which immediately alleviated his pain. To our surprise he burst into tears, overcome by relief and gratitude. The student and I just looked at one another in surprise.

I thought about the incident a lot on my way home, reminding myself again that acts of kindness however small are never wasted. Sir Richard Branson is quoted as saying “Giving people help to get back on their feet won’t change their past, but it could change their future.”

We will continue to work with this man whom God has placed in our path.

Lord, help us not to miss opportunities to be kind to others, and reflect Your compassion and care. Help us Lord to be sensitive to unspoken needs in others, and not to underestimate the depth of emotional pain.

Make us channels of your love for Jesus’ sake. Amen

God’s Provision in Time of Need

During the  physio session today at St George’s Crypt – a project for homeless people – myself and my physio student treated  a young man who was sleeping rough in a lot of pain – we knew we could help his pain but he was also in desperate need of a sleeping bag.

The Crypt does not give these out, so I headed out with a prayer of faith to a local secondhand shop. I just sensed God would find me a sleeping bag there somehow and I needed it now.

As I went, I reminded myself of George Mueller’s confidence in God as he prayed. I can’t say that my prayers have always been answered in the ways I asked, but I had a real sense of urgency that God would provide in that shop.

We of course put the young man in touch with Housing and arranged for him to get a shower, but it was very  likely that tonight would be another night in a cold doorstep.

In the secondhand shop there were no sleeping bags for sale, but I still sensed somehow there was one for me, so I asked the manager if she had any – she replied that she didn’t. But then she paused and said she would send someone to check upstairs. I told her why I needed one.

Sure enough minutes later down came a good quality sleeping bag in the hands of the assistant.

I offered to pay or give a donation, but the manager refused this insisting I take it as she said it would have been on the throw-out pile. The young man who received it was absolutely thrilled, and so was I that God had heard my prayer and directed me aright. The young man told me he could sleep in the Himalayas with that one – he was so delighted. I told him about my prayer and what happened.

Who knows what God will do in his life?

The story of George Mueller

A ship’s captain told the following story about George Mueller. They were on their way to Newfoundland, where George had an appointment. The ship was sailing full steam ahead. Suddenly the motors stopped and the ship came to a standstill in the middle of the ocean. Thick fog had settled in. The captain was on the bridge with his binoculars. George Mueller came up to him and asked, “Captain, is there a problem?”

“Yes. We can’t see where we’re going. We’re not moving because we could hit an iceberg.” “Captain, I have never been late for an appointment in my life. Have you prayed to the Lord about this matter?”

They went to the cabin and George started praying, “Father, I have never been late for one of your appointments. I ask you now, Lord, to clear that fog outside, and I thank you by faith that it’s done already. Amen.”

Before the Captain could even begin to pray, there was a tap on his shoulder. “Captain, don’t bother to pray. First of all, you don’t believe it’s going to happen and secondly, the fog’s already gone. Let’s go.”

They walked to the door and opened it. It was a clear night. The stars were shining.

Lord, give me the faith of a child and people like George Mueller. Thank You that when I pray to You about my needs, I can already thank You in faith that You will do what is best for me. Amen.

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