Take the Extra Step
by Bonnie Peacock

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Shipwrecked. Beaten. Imprisoned.

The apostle Paul suffered many things in his effort to serve the Lord. At one point, Asia turned away from him.

Everyone, except the household of On-e-siph’-o-rus. Paul was chained, unable to minister, bless, or serve them. They in turn ministered to the apostle. He asked God to have mercy on them.

It was not easy. They had no idea where he was being kept. The Scripture tells us they searched “very diligently” for Paul. When they found him, they tended to his needs. (See 2 Timothy 1:15-18.)

What a difference a little effort makes! No one else cared about the missing servant of the Lord. The household of On-e-siph’-o-rus could have joined the mainstream of the self-absorbed and went about their own lives.

We are faced with similar choices today. Do we stop and take time to minister to those who are hurting? Is it too inconvenient to find out why someone is missing church? It is not easy to put the needs of someone else above our own, is it?

God is looking for those who will consistently go one step further. He needs listening ears, lips that speak encouragement, and arms of love to hold the wounded. His eyes search for those He can flow through.

Taking the extra step is rarely comfortable or without personal cost. However, the opportunity to participate in His master plan supersedes personal inconveniences. To have His hand on our lives and to feel His anointing flow through us puts things in perspective. “Not my will, but thine be done.”

This prayer is not one we pray once and the work is done. Continually, daily, wholeheartedly—it must be the anthem of our souls.

“Dear God, if You want me to go after someone who is discouraged—I will go. If you wish me to stop and listen—okay. What is it You want from me today?

“I give You my needs, hopes, and dreams. I trust that as I obey and work in Your kingdom, You will provide all that I need.

“Thank You for allowing me to be a part of what You are doing. Amen.”