A Trusted Friend: When It Matters Most
Consider the people who sit beside you in Sunday School, in worship, or in meetings. What problems might they have? And if you knew their problems, would you do anything about them? We pass people in church hallways and ask how they are doing, but do we really want to know? Would you even know what to do if someone did share a need with you?
Let us look at some of the problems that today’s adults face.
The Past
Some adults deal with difficult childhoods or the aftermath of tragic experiences. These experiences somehow hold adults in emotional prisons. Childhood abuse, divorce, death in the family, and so on can rob adults of opportunities to see life clearly. Some can’t live in the present because they can’t face their past. In these cases, it is necessary for adult leaders to know how and when to refer people to professionals. In other situations, a listening ear is all that is needed.
Regrets
Some adults hurt others in their past or were convicted and jailed. Their pain issues from their choices. Only Christ can help them find the strength to forgive themselves and live a purposeful, meaningful life.
Disabilities
Other adults deal with disabilities that are physical, emotional, mental, or social. It is hard for many adult leaders to minister to folks with disabilities we don’t understand. Leaders need to set their attention and focus on what they can do. Everybody needs love, respect, and attention. Concentrate on these areas. Focus on people and how God uniquely created them rather than focusing on their disabilities.
Family
Some experience trials caused by or placed upon them by their family members. Many adults face hard choices in caring for their parents. Others deal with demanding situations in parenting. The confusion, distress, and pain can become too much to bear. Sometimes a listening ear is all that is needed. Other occasions may require more help.
Health Issues
Some adults deal with physical or mental health problems. Others face the consequences of poor choices related to smoking, alcohol, illegal drugs, and more. Some live daily with conditions such as eating disorders, chronic pain or fatigue, and diabetes. Others may face serious life threats such as cancer and AIDS.
In certain situations we need to do our homework before jumping in to help. While they are focusing attention on their health, these adults may need someone to help them with practical, everyday life chores and challenges.
Hopelessness
Due to circumstances, choices, or life in general, adults can become hopeless. When adults lose hope, life seems meaningless. They seek a reason to go on.
Take time to help them see life through a new set of eyes. Get them in touch with their reason for living. Pray with them and help them learn to laugh again and find hope.
Don’t get so wrapped up in your world that you can’t take the time to lend a hand to those in need. Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Adult leaders can’t meet every need, but they can start the ministry and enlist others to help. Why not start today? Everybody needs a helping hand every now and then.
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