PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE MINISTRY OF HELPS
"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues" (I Corinthians 12:28)
"Christian was left to struggle in the Swamp of Despond alone. In spite of the difficulty, Christian still tried to get to the side of the swamp that was the furthest from the City of Destruction and nearest the narrow gate. He finally reached the edge of the swamp, but he could not, no matter how hard he tried, lift himself out of the swamp because of the heavy burden that was on his back. Just then I saw in my dream that a man whose name was Help came to him …. Then Help said, "Give me your hand." So Christian gave him his hand and he pulled him out, set him on solid ground, and told him to go on his way."
The Pilgrim was sinking in despair under his heavy load. Along came Help who offered to pull him out of the swamp. God has put into the Church the gift of helps to give a hand to those who are sinking under their burdens. Even Christians get discouraged under the loads they carry. We all, whether Christians or Pre-Christians, need at one time or another someone to reach out their hand to us. Jesus invited us to come to him when we are heavy-laden, and God has sent the Paraclete to come along side to help us carry our loads. But He also uses human hands to minister grace to those who are sinking in the swamp of despair. Praise God for the gift of helps. Maybe I can be used that way today.
Love, Dad
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