For me, it’s often when I see people around me in pain. It’s when I see families struggling with a loved ones health. It’s when I see people dealing with the death of a loved one, someone who helped shape their very being. It’s when I see people walking an unknown path, unsure of what their next step is going to be, fearful to move forward. It’s when I see people who are unseen, those who the majority of people pass by without taking the time to see, listen, and hear their story. It’s when I see families who are making decisions on whether to purchase food for their families or pay the electric bill. It’s when I see marriages trying desperately to make it work or others who are too exhausted to continue to try. It’s when….the list goes on.

And yet, as a person who loves Jesus, I want to see. I want to hear. I want to know the pain of others, if for no other reason than to love them. Pray for them. Listen to them. Many times they don’t know I'm praying. Other times God knows they need to know someone is thinking of them, so he nudges me to write a note, make a visit, or give them a call, so I go that direction. Regardless, it is important to really see the struggles others are in so we can be the people God called us to be for them.

One of my favorite songs, by Brandon Heath, What if We, speaks of this. Check out these powerful words.

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Give Your love for humanity

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me Your eyes so I can see

Life IS hard sometimes. Really hard. And yet, if we know Jesus, we have the hope others need. We have the ability to share that hope with others during their darkest times.

Perhaps today, you are one of those people who are in the midst of one of those dark times. Then I offer you this hope. I offer you these scriptures. Take a few minutes to meditate on these and let them sink into your soul.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Or perhaps today, you are hurting for others. You are troubled and unsure of how to move forward as you see the pain around you. I offer you these verses.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV

These are scriptures that are reminding us that we are to be the people who point others to the hope of Jesus. To be His arms and feet, loving others through our words and deeds.

God bless your day. And know that if you need prayer or an ear to listen, I am here.