The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” Isaiah 57:15
Before the kids of Jupiter Florida or Banksy, there was Arthur Stace. From 1932 to 1967 the streets and sidewalks of Sydney Australia were tagged in chalk with the word “Eternity.” Arthur had been gripped by the gospel and compelled by God to write a single word. For thirty-five years he anonymously pointed people to the hope and reality of a God who draws close to the humble.
How will we overflow with the love of Christ during a pandemic?
How will we actively love and care for others when we are asked to socially distance and use disinfectant wipes on our groceries?
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Motivate: Take a clue from Arthur Stace. Let your motivation be the love and hope of Christ. Not a burden to “do good.” There were moments when he tried the words “obey God”, “God”, or “Sin”, but ultimately the word “Eternity” is what he stayed with.
Relationship: Who are the people God has placed in your life? Reach out to them. Check in and see how they are doing. Let God use you as a beacon of hope. Pray 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 before you contact them. Let God prompt you.
Matrix—Talent, Skill, and Passion: How has God wired you? If you are an introvert or an extrovert—what skills, talents, abilities, and passions do you have? How could you use them? 3-d print face shields. Paint Rocks. Offer to shop for and deliver groceries. Open your windows as you play your instrument. Play games or watch movies together virtually. Message a verse of hope. Again, let God do the prompting.
One quick side note. Make sure that your plan is helpful under the current systems and guidelines that your community has in place. Matt and Destin from No Dumb Questions have some great thoughts on this in their most recent podcast. Sometimes our desire to help and solve problems can actually get in the way of what is already being done. Take steps humbly, but take steps.
Praying with you as you overflow hope with God’s love.