Take time

"Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

As I was walking, amidst tens of other runners, from a parking lot to the starting line of an early morning marathon (before sunrise) several months ago, I spotted a woman knelt down under a streetlamp surrounded by a couple of very impatient friends. With the starting time quickly approaching, I watched as she frantically struggled to attach her timing chip to her shoe as if was the first time (it was). Her companions' complicated and hurried instructions seemed to only frustrate her further so, sensing she needed some help, I rushed over and offered to put it on explaining that the process was much easier than the instruction sheet made it seem. With a wide smile of relief, she welcomed the offer- and as I knelt down to attach the chip to her shoes, I gently explained step by step how it was done so that she would know the next time. Like so many others I could have easily kept on walking, but taking the time to help another runner is something we should all do, right?

Taking time for new believers is much the same way. It's something mature Christians are commanded to do. In fact, the apostle Paul said that he was like a spiritual parent to the new believers when he wrote, "Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you." You and I can and should be like caring parents for new believers -watching over them, nurturing, guiding, encouraging, teaching and correcting them. We should be loving them so much that we delight in taking the time to share "not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."

Perhaps you know someone struggling today with their faith or in need of answers? Not willing to miss an opportunity to help, may we always be willing to 'take the time' because as Benjamin Franklin once wrote, "Lost time is never found again."

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to be your hands and feet. Thank you for the honor of bringing the message of Salvation to a dying world. Help us to care so much for others that we would always be looking for ways to help. And may we daily read your Word that we might be ready to nurture others in it. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!
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Jeremy Camp - Take my life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyZC7-KeUfE