Conversation Starters: A Helping Hand in a Crisis

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:6-7, NASB). 

News of the bombing at the Boston marathon last week sent a shock wave through me. As a runner and an American, with friends living in Boston, I was left praying and trying to process it all as the story unraveled. It inspired me how some runners ran straight to the hospital to donate blood and how other cities are organizing runs to honor Boston. 

As Jesus' disciples, we have insight into how He responded in crisis moments and how we can try to help others in practical ways. God has told us that life isn't always easy. Jesus was in touch with God the Father through prayer and was into God's Word. He got to know the community, helped the sick and spoke of an everlasting hope to all, including the outcasts. 

Kelli Martin

We may not be able to do much physically to help people, but we can pray, listen to God and listen to others who are going through a crisis. We can trust God and simply be there for others. We can pray for an opportunity to share how God gives a peace through His Son that outlasts whatever circumstances are going on around us.

Study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).