I wanted to share a well-known quote that I am sure you have heard time and time again. Mr. Fred Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

With all that has been happening in our world lately, we sometimes have the tendency to focus on the negative aspects because many times that is what we hear most on the news, radio, or see on social media. However, today I wanted to focus on some positive things.

During this time where we have been asked to stay home as much as possible, I started wondering how I could be God’s hands to those around me while still practicing the social distancing that is being encouraged. Thankfully, God has been giving me plenty of opportunities to stay connected to others! Last week our church put together a group of volunteers to reach out to people in our community to see if we could serve them in any way. This could be through prayer, or by providing other needed services like grocery shopping delivered to their door or dropping off a meal at their doorstep, etc. I am finding that most of the people I have called or chatted with through Messenger or text are happy just connecting with other people. I have had several conversations and have been able to pray with and for people as well. It has been a blessing to me.

Just this morning I saw a group of friends do a “Happy Birthday drive thru” for a disabled woman in our community. She sat in her wheelchair in the driveway as car after car went by saying their birthday wishes or singing to her. What a creative way to encourage others during this time of temporary isolation!

These examples led me to ponder on the scripture in Luke where Jesus heals a paralyzed man. This man had been taken to see Jesus by some men carrying him on a mat. When the men saw that they could not get to Jesus because of the crowd, they went above and beyond to make sure the paralyzed man saw Jesus. Their creativity led them to the roof of where Jesus was, and they lowered him right in front of Jesus. Now those are determined helpers!

God has a plan during every situation. He wants to continue working in and through us to reach our world that desperately needs Him. Today I want to encourage you, friend, to be God’s helper. Take a moment to ask God to show you how He wants to use you and then do it.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, allow me to see this time as an opportunity to serve others and be part of the helpers. Even if my profession has not required me to serve others, I am available to be used by you. Lord, I pray that your people would come together and that this would be a time that your light shines so bright that it cannot be ignored. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

1.      Luke 5:18-19