They Need to See God

​This time of the year seems to bring out the best in most people.  Perhaps they modify their behavior because they don’t want to be associated with a “Scrooge” type personality.  Although it is wonderful to see kindness demonstrated, unfortunately, it is not as common as it once was and should be - the world actually needs more.  What the world really needs to see is something greater.  Something more profound.  Something beyond the norm.  Something beyond expected - they need to see God, and the only way that will happen is through those who know him.
 
Recently, I read a story in the news of a Texas State Trooper who stopped a vehicle for a moving violation.  It was during the stop that he came to realize the family had just suffered a loss and was grieving.  This left the officer with some options. He could let them go (considering their circumstances), he could let them off with a warning, or naturally he could give them a citation.  Any of these would be appropriate, and the judgment of the patrolman would be supported (after all he is only doing his job).  Fortunately, for this family, the officer did more.  He looked beyond the expected, the anticipated, the feared, and boldly asked the family a question that completely caught them off guard.  In his mind, he totally dismissed the traffic issue, looked beyond it, and saw what they really needed.  It was then that he asked them to “pray” with him.  That’s right.  You read correctly, he asked them if he could pray for their circumstances, for God to relieve them of their grief.  Naturally, they were shocked, but they agreed.  As they drove away, I wonder what was going through their mind?  Perhaps in their distress, they reasoned this as God’s way of comforting them by letting them know at this painful time, they were not alone.  As for the officer, I’m sure he felt he was just doing his duty.  Not only as an officer, but as a child of God who knew what that family really needed.
 
This is the way the world will come to know God - through the hearts of his people.  As you enter this new year, look for ways to help those around you to see God, in a most wonderful way.
 
Blessings to you in the coming New Year.
Lamar