I’d just gotten up and opened the curtains in my hotel room. The sunrise was beautiful and I thanked God for another beautiful masterpiece. Then, my eyes traveled down to the parking lot to a piece of moving cardboard. I saw a man and woman sitting in a beat up car. They appeared homeless and may have spent the night in the hotel parking lot. My heart broke more as little heads in the backseat started to stir.
Stepping into the hot shower, I felt the guilt start to creep in my mind and heart. Why did I get to sleep in this beautiful hotel and enjoy all the perks that went with it? Why, God, do people have to suffer like this? Why did You show me this homeless family? Jesus, what do You want me to do for them? What are You trying to teach me?
He answered quietly and gently. “Daughter, you will always have the poor among you. Instead of feeling false guilt, pray for that family and trust Me for them. I am more than capable. Let Me be God. And you be you.”
As I dried off and got dressed, I decided to take breakfast out to them. But, when I looked again, they were gone. ‘God, please help and intervene on these people’s behalf. Help them find food and shelter and especially people to help love them on their journey,’ I whispered to Abba.
God, there is much I don’t understand in this life. But, You do. Please help me to quit trying to save the world. That’s Your job. My job is to love You and love my neighbor. You’ve got even this in Your capable Hands. Please continue to use me to minister to others who cross my path. Help me to be generous with what you’ve entrusted to me and continue to love others like You love me. Amen.
If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be...For the poor you will always have with you in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Deuteronomy 15:7-11