Love in Action: Prayer Plus

My daughter’s caring concern helped me focus on something more I can do for those suffering trials.

I was having a conversation with my young daughter tonight after hearing that a dear friend of ours had lost his job. She asked me in her sweet way, “Is there anything I can do?” This got me to thinking about the passage that says, “Become as little children. … Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).

One of the most endearing traits that I have observed in children is their ability to love unconditionally—not just to passively care for someone, but to love with action. My daughter’s simple question gave me pause to think—what more can I do? Not just for our friend who lost his job, but for others I know who are suffering trials.

Trials, loneliness and prayer

I reviewed a mental list of family, friends at work and brethren who attend church with us and considered the trials they’re facing that I am aware of. When I hear of a trial that someone is going through, I know how important it is to pray for them (James 5:16). God cares and wants to know that we care.

I began to think about the loneliness associated with trials. Being lonely and isolated can be its own trial, but there is a special loneliness associated with going through a trial. Even though your mind says, “Others have gone through this and survived,” your heart says, “It couldn’t have been this bad for them.”

Considering all this gives me even more reason to pray for them fervently. But, considering my daughter’s question, I ask myself, Is there something more that I can do? Is there a way to help combat the loneliness and encourage others in their trials?

Calls and cards

Along with fervent prayers, I recognized the need to reach out and show that I care.

I called our friend who lost his job and let him know that we are there for him and his family. I let him know that we will pray for his job situation. And rather than telling my daughter that there really wasn’t anything that she could do, I suggested that she write a card or note to the family.

Based on all this, I decided to implement a small change in my life and my busy schedule that overwhelms me at times:

• I will consider my list of people going through trials.
• I will take a few minutes out of my schedule and will call one of those people I have been praying for.
• If I can’t call him or her, I’ll send a card or write a note. In some way, I will let that person know that I haven’t forgotten him or her and that I am praying.

I may not have experienced exactly what that person is going through, but I can help alleviate some of that loneliness that surrounds being in a trial.

And I can put love into action, just as my daughter’s caring words taught me.

Rachel Koenig is a member of the Buffalo, New York, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. She and her wonderful husband, Stephan, are raising three very active children, Anne, Madi and Joe.

See the previous post from Rachel Koenig:

• "Thy Kingdom Come"