What Can I Do?

This morning, I asked for prayer from my facebook community for our son, Ethan. He is sick, and being one with cerebral palsy and sensory issues, he thinks he's going to die. Of course, I'm concerned for him - that he doesn't go into seizure activity from the fever and stress, that he doesn't become dehydrated due to refusal of any food or drink, that he doesn't aspirate vomit when he's throwing a fit about hurting. (and the list goes on)

So, as I'm sitting here, keeping watch, working on a rag rug, praying, checking in on facebook, I see that many dear friends have responded with concern and reassurance that they will be praying. This just blesses my heart. I, myself, count it such a privilege to pray for the needs of others. I scan my "news feed" several times a day simply to be aware of the needs of others.

Often, that's all we can do. Pray. And, trust God to answer those prayers in a way that fulfills His purposes and that glorifies Him.

I started wondering what else is accomplished by being aware of the suffering of others, especially if we can do nothing, physically, to help them. The following is what came to my mind, though by no means exhaustive:

1. Knowing that there are people who are starving, should make us less wasteful, and more thankful.
2. Knowing there are people without family, without loved ones, should make us treasure our relationships to the point where we "submit one to another, preferring one another", laying our lives down for one another.
3. Knowing that some wander the streets, with no shelter, should make us good stewards of our dwelling places; and hospitable.
4. Knowing there are sick and disabled folks, should make us use our strength and minds for His glory.

What can I do?

I can live a faithful life of gratitude.

I can live "circumspectly"...


"So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
(Ephesians 5:1-2)