This side of the curtain we will have struggles, no exception, Jesus says as much when He tells us, “…In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous … I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
If we look at the life of Jesus, our approach to helping those struggling should not simply be one of sympathy. Our approach should be one of empathy motivated by love and compassion, which leads to empowerment. Our care for people can’t simply be to make people feel better and safe, but included in our care should be challenge to risk, growth, and responsibility.
As we care for those struggling, this is how we could help them move forward.
Tied into this thought is my paraphrase of a Jewish proverb which I have made my own: “Pray, worship, read scripture, be in the fellowship of believers, as if everything depends on God; Then, plan, strategise, and work as if everything depends on you.” In our own struggles it cannot be either or, it should be both and.
As we go through our own struggles, this is how we could move through them.
Jesus come that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10), but we do have a responsibility and role to play in this abundant life.
Andrew Christie 