By BILLY HOLLAND

Religion columnist

We do not have to look very far to find someone that needs a miracle. Many are suffering some type of crisis like health problems, their children, and grieving over a loss, finances, marriage issues, and on and on.

When difficult situations are presented, we become sympathetic, but how often do we consider that God may have brought these individuals to our attention so that we can not only pray but to actually intervene and help meet their needs?

Instead of just discussing the situation and having pity, maybe we can become the miracle they are praying for. James chapter two talks about the difference between having faith without becoming involved and literally demonstrating our faith by our willingness to reach out and help someone. Have you ever been discouraged or in trouble and you cried out for God to please send somebody to help?

When we accept the life-changing gift of salvation, we are called to let go of our old self-centered nature and become focused on the greatest commandment which includes loving God and others as ourselves.

The Bible refers to those who become God’s children as instruments and vessels of honor. The idea of being used by the Master of the universe is a privilege and as His followers, we are to be listening for His voice, growing stronger in our compassion, and more aware of what He desires (which by the way there is much to do). He may be guiding and preparing us to present a Bible scripture with a friend at work or maybe to write a letter to a loved one that we are concerned about.

There are so many opportunities all around us where we could bring encouragement. I know there are times in my life where I could have used someone’s kindness. It feels good to know that someone is thinking about us and cares enough to make an intentional effort to bless us as we all want to feel loved and respected. Galatians chapter six talks about our deeds being like seeds and that we all reap according to what we sow. Applying this spiritual principal to our life, allows us to see how important it is to care about others in the same way we would like someone to care about us. If you need a miracle, become someone’s miracle, if you desire to have more friends, go out of your way to be friendly, if you want to be loved, learn how to love.

Yes, God can make the divine appointments but our responsibility is to make ourselves available.

Jesus told a parable in Luke chapter ten about a man who was attacked by thieves and left beside the road nearly dead.

Two different men came upon the situation (one of them a minister) and both ignored him. Then a Samaritan man found him and literally saved his life.

The good Samaritan became the wounded man’s miracle and presents the question that is worthy of consideration; are we the type who passes by and looks the other way, or the one who stops and becomes involved?

Dr. Holland lives in Central Kentucky where he is a Christian minister, chaplain, and author of the book, “A lifestyle of Worship.” Read more at: billyhollandministries.com