How to help without stealing God’s glory.? Romans 12:15

Date January 10, 2012

While walking through the destruction of a village in Pakistan I had reached the overload point. One house after another burned, destroyed and demolished. Families sitting in the rubble of what was their home wanted us to come and see all that had been lost and pray with them that God would restore. After view countless houses my heart began to retreat to simply protect myself from the grief and sorrow these Pakistani Christians were facing.
I was close to simply becoming a voyeur of violence, my heart was retreating in to protection mode as I teetered on grief overload. Some call it compassion fatigue, I just call it “entering in”.
I quickly asked for the team to leave the devastation and head back to our guest house. While in the van I shared with the team what was happening in my heart and was glad to hear I had made the right call as all the team was feeling the same load and weight of pain. How do you come to people that have been devastated, but continue to put their trust in God alone and walk gently on such Holy ground.
To place ourselves as the answer would be wrong as only Christ can and will stand in the place.

Orphaned girls in Pakistan.

Yet I find myself conscientiously aware that I am called to be part of the solution, while leaving the beleaguered believers looking to Christ alone.
My team wept with those who weep and held them, prayed for them and simply sat with them. In reflection of all that has thundered past our eyes I found a meditation by Oswald Chambers, that so eloquently speaks to, not only the past few weeks, but the past 19 years of labor living among the pained, persecuted and suffering.

To the Helper:

Recognize that what you say will be different for each person because every person’s circumstances and personality are unique. Romans 12:15 tells us to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” The book of Ecclesiastes says: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” There is a time to talk, a time to simply be with the person, a time to give answers and explanations, a time to just listen, a time to visit, a time to give the person time alone.

We need to keep in mind the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in the right circumstances.”

Through the Gospels, Christ ministered to people according to their need. For example Lazarus died, Jesus ministered to his sisters in different ways. Martha seemed to be trying to understand why her brother died, so Jesus explained the resurrection of the dead to her.

But with Mary, who fell weeping at His feet, Jesus simply wept.

Proverbs 14:10 says “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” Only God can say, “I know just how you feel.” Also Proverbs 25:20, “like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.”

You don’t have to have all the answers. Your prayerful presence can work wonders. Remember that God ultimately is the source of all wisdom, healing, and wholeness. The greatest benediction one man can cover another who suffers,  is not in his words, but that he implies: ‘I don’t know the answer to your problem, all I can say is that, “GOD ALONE MUST KNOW; LET US GO TO HIM.”

In my hour of trouble, perplexity and despair,
looking to the Cross-I find Him there.
Striped and bloodied, naked and tormented,
subject of Gods wrath fomented.

 I fall to my knees, lips that only quiver, speak to my pain oh life giver!
One thousand questions get a swift reply, look to the Lamb that was crucified!

While you bore the cross,
I fancied my crown.
Little did I know about love that’s laid down!
Careless I tread on sacred Sod,
in silence drops the blood of God.

Faith that reckons, shall find him there. On a blood stained altar I cast all my care.

The covering from above if heeded, leaves fig tree withered, leaf no longer needed.

From eternity to a womb, through time to a tomb!
So the Son of Man traveled, as Lion and Lamb;
with trumpet and sword will you come again,
er’e shall we meet Thee as bride for the Groom.

 K. Turner

working on plans after the earthquakes in Pakistan

 

Kevin J Turner
If you feel pressed by the Holy Spirit then prayer for these in Pakistan who are member’s of the body of Christ. If you feel lead to give to them then give from a generous heart knowing that God sees all. I am still in Pakistan and planning the next team that will come to serve and be the hand’s of Christ. Stand with us as we practice the ministry of presence! www.swi.org

Category Posted in Kevin Turner, Pakistan, Pondering, Strategic World Impact, Suffering, Uncategorized

3 Responses to “How to help without stealing God’s glory.? Romans 12:15”

  1. Susie said:

    July 16th, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Big help, big help. And spuerlvatie news of course.

  2. Mary M said:

    January 11th, 2012 at 6:41 am

    Yes, this was like apples of gold in settings of silver….So much leaning on the Holy Spirit in every move we make, because He is the Only One where nothing escapes His notices….He knows every hair on every head, He sees our hearts so completely. Thank You for sharing of the inward working of His Spirit that we might also experience this someday.

  3. SWI Team said:

    January 11th, 2012 at 6:47 am

    Mary, I have witnessed this very same thing in you and through you. Thanks for being out on the front lines and serving. Bless you my sister.

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