Purpose in Your StrugglesSample

IN NEED OF RESCUE

Read

So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.

Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.

-Genesis 14:11-16

Reflect

“The military is like a big family!” said a new military wife to me after her husband’s first few months on active duty service. My response to her was a resounding, “Yes, it is!”

I did not know what it was like to live in community until I became a military wife. I remember looking out my window at one assignment to see dozens of children playing in our backyard. The neighbors followed an unwritten code to watch out for each other, especially when it came to the children. The result of living so close was an awareness of needs. At times that was a little uncomfortable, but it was more about helping than getting in each other’s business. The blessings outweighed the frustrations. If I were ever in a jam, they came to my rescue.

Abraham’s nephew Lot found himself in a jam. The choice he made to take the best land for himself led to consequences that put him in danger. Can’t you see Abraham shaking his head in frustration over Lot’s predicament? I would not blame Abraham if he had said, “He got himself in this mess and he can get himself out.” But instead he gathered his troops and went out to rescue him.

Lot’s situation was an extreme case, but the dedication Abraham displayed towards him is not unlike a military wife who has the opportunity to help others in her community. Jesus commands us to love others as he loved us (John 15:12–13). Each of us has an occasion to show Christ’s love every day.

Respond

Look around your sphere of influence. Does anyone need rescued? Is there someone who might need to be rescued from loneliness? Invite her for coffee. Is there a young mom who might need to be rescued from isolation? Offer to babysit one afternoon. Is there a new military wife in the neighborhood who needs a rescue from unrealistic expectations? Take her on a tour of your favorite places in town and affirm her strengths.

Prayer

Make me an instrument of your peace today, Lord. Help me see the needs of others and take action to help. Amen.