The Man In The Cold Rain

 

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17

I was returning from a baby shower one afternoon when a man who was on a corner selling roses was standing pacing in the pouring icy rain.It was also beginning to get dark.  He had a rain jacket on but appeared very cold. He probably was stuck there until his ride came to get him and the flowers. 

As I drove on by I felt like I wish I had an extra coat, blanket or umbrella in my car or a tarp he could stand under. Inside I felt terrible passing him by. This sort of stuff is accentuated at Christmas time but there are people standing in the cold rain all the time or have some other need. Scripture tells us to help and to not pass by.I  really wrestled in my spirit with what to do and even stopped to check in  the back of my car for my spare umbrella which was not there. 

Have you been in similar situations where you know what is the right thing to do but don't?I have to admit I did have a blanket in back but was selfish and sentimental in my spirit because I had had it many years and hated to part with it but here is a cold man who could have used it. Forgive me Lord. Don't beat yourself up and remember to  be safe. But if the Holy Spirit is prompting you to interact then do so if in a safe situation Not just at Christmas but all the time. 

PRAYER: Lord ,there are many needs in the world around me and  I know I can't meet all of them but when I have a chance to do something even small like giving a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus help me to do it. Forgive me when I pass someone by that  I could have helped. In Jesus' name. Amen.