September 5: Insight Post by Mario Colorado
Weekly Reading: Luke 7:11-17
Friday Reflection
God’s Timing is Perfect: Jesus arrived at just the right moment to intervene in the widow’s sorrow. His timing in our lives is always perfect, even when we don’t fully understand it.
Friday Verse
Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT)
Friday Questions
In what areas of my life do I need to trust God’s timing? How can I learn to be patient and have faith in His perfect plan?
Friday Insight Post
by Mario Colorado
This week’s Bible Reading Plan challenges us to be more aware of those who are hurting around us and to show compassion like Jesus. As of the writing of this post, it’s only Wednesday, and I already have had lots of drama and challenges at work. One oversight had me miss an assignment deadline, which has caused a lot of embarrassment for me and left me with a lot of anxiety and stress. Later that day, I had an opportunity to engage with a remarkable young teenager who has been suffering from a condition that affects him profoundly both mentally and physically. It was this interaction that reminded me that supporting and listening to someone talk about their afflictions is often the best way to alleviate your own pain and discomfort.
As the ultimate pastor, Jesus spent a lot of time healing the sick and caring for others, putting their needs above his own. Being also fully human, it is safe to assume that he frequently felt tired and mentally drained. This is evidenced in times that he escaped the crowds to pray (Luke 5:16). For me, providing a listening ear allows me to put down my own troubles to later gain a better perspective on what I worry about. Putting my fears and anxieties on hold to listen to someone else is a shield against the attacks of the enemy. It gives me a moment to let God take control of the situation and listen to what He wants me to hear.
Another thing I learned after reflecting on various encounters I had these last couple of days is the fine line between encouraging and offering advice. No matter how much more age and/or life experiences I have over those that I listen to – I recognize that giving advice (or interjecting my opinion) can be counterproductive to the work that God wants to do through the interaction.
Despite only being able to attend online, Rusty’s small group provides me with the ability to exercise my ears and pray for my fellow brothers. Prayer works! It places our trust in our Creator that His timing is right. It allows us to pause and not act or speak impulsively so that God’s will be done. I don’t always get this part right, but I try to be mindful of it.
Mario Colorado
New Hope Volunteer Manager
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org