One day in early August, I met a fellow resident who is very active. He had just returned from hospital treatment for a relatively serious fall when I saw him out walking. Jack is a very positive person. Rather than discussing his physical situation, he wanted to tell me about two surprises that he experienced.

The first person arriving at his side after the fall was able to quickly stop the bleeding before the ambulance arrived to take him to the hospital. Jack chuckled as he told me that the young man said that he had just completed five weeks of training in first aid and that Jack was the first "live" patient on whom he could practice his training.

Jack also mentioned the PresbyCan Devotional of July 25, 2022, where reference is made to his neighbours, Wanda and Mike. During Jack's hospital stay, his wife, Joan, mentioned to Wanda a need for a safety pin. Not long after, Wanda and Mike returned, not with one pin but with a card holding a dozen safety pins. Jack wanted me to know that he could affirm that the reference to Wanda and Mike being kind and helpful to others was indeed true.

As I thought about Jack's fall, I was reminded that God is able to use us in small, surprising ways if we are willing to help others. The neighbours' surprise gift of a dozen pins when only one was needed demonstrated how small, helpful actions are appreciated. The training of the first-aid graduate would have been useless in that surprise situation if he had not been willing to help. The fact that he also gave Jack a laugh was an added bonus.

How wonderful that God chooses to help us to surprise others when He takes small, positive, apparently minor actions to make a big impact.

In one of Jesus' parables, the King delivers what is perhaps the biggest surprise of all when He comments on the huge impact of the seemingly insignificant actions of the righteous:

Matthew 25:37-40 – Then the righteous will answer [the King], saying, "Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?" And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me." (NKJV)

We can easily fall into the trap of trying to do more and bigger things, whereas God really wants us to do even little things to help others. It may be a surprise to us as individuals, but to God, it is just what He wants us to do.

Prayer: Dear Father, thanks for the many opportunities that You give us to help others each day. May we realize that inasmuch as we do so, we are following Your example when You gave Your Son as our Saviour. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author