Wednesday October 19, 2016
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. -Proverbs 3:27
When I was on my missions trip in Haiti we took a hike up a large mountain. On our way down the mountain there was a goat stuck in a bush. The guys that I was walking with passed it without blinking. They didn’t care about the goat, so I didn’t know what to do. Obviously the cute little goat caught my attention. However, I didn’t want to be the only who stopped and tried to figure out how to help this completely helpless animal. Frankly, I didn’t even know how to help. So, I continued on. As I walked I could hear the cries of the goat, knowing that I had just left it there to die.
As we walked down the rest of the mountain I felt God reveal to me that I see goats stuck in bushes all the time, and I often have the same mentality. I see someone in need, but keep walking. It is too awkward for me to be the only one who helps. It’s hard to be the one who stops and tries to figure out a rescue plan. I instead pretend I never saw it, so that I can feel better about my situation.
Friend, there are goats stuck all around you. There are people crying out for your help. As Christians it is our job to step out, and be the odd people that show them who the Rescuer is. Don’t miss your opportunity. There are people that you are leaving behind and letting die.
Prayer: God, forgive me of the times that I do not help the people that are hurting around me. Help me to see the goats that are stuck all around. Break my heart for people the way yours does. In your name I pray, Amen!
-Whitney Flach
