Willing To Try?

God has chosen ordinary people — you and me — to help others. Occasionally, it is for something very significant, but usually, it is for something small. However, in every case, we have to be willing to try in order for God to use us.

Where I now live, there is a self-serve breakfast buffet. The coffee dispensers sit on a shelf that is a little high for short people. The other day, I noticed a new resident struggling because of her height, having difficulty filling her cup. A nearby person provided assistance and engaged in a welcoming conversation. When the helpful lady returned to the table where I was seated, I complimented her on her kind act. She replied, "Well, I tried."

That little act has resulted in the new resident feeling welcomed, the two starting an ongoing friendship, and both parties benefitting, just because someone was willing to try to help.

The famous hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, is quoted as saying, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." If we don't try, we will never succeed.

I have often told others that God wants to use us, but He can't do so if we are just sitting on our backsides and not trying. God is a master at correcting mistakes, providing we have tried. I have over eight decades of proving that fact. It seems that I am always saying or doing something that I later regret, but at least I am trying to help others.

Every day, I observe simple acts of kindness where one person is willing to try to help another. Interestingly, those little acts of kindness seem to bring even more pleasure to the giver than the recipient.

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV)

Basically, this verse plainly sets out that every action has a reaction. When our actions are helpful, we always seem to gain even more from the reactions.

There is a Salvation Army chorus that has these words:

I want to live right, that God may use me
At any time and anywhere.

Every day, you and I have the opportunity to choose to be used by God to help others. We only have to be willing to try!

Prayer: Dear God, we don't understand why You have chosen to help others through us. However, we do thank You that You give us the privilege to be a part of Your scheme of life. Help us to be willing to try to do our part in the extension of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.