Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”
Jonah 1:5-6
Lord, how many times have I seen others going through and just walked by, oblivious to their suffering? Or seen them navigating through storms in their lives and thought to myself, “That’s not my problem?” Or have gone past them in the streets, down and out in their condition, and just kept on walking because I have purposed to myself that I’m going to mind my own business? What of those times when I have been “too busy” to stop, or potentially “late” for my engagement? The examples are rushing in my mind right now. And what convicts me most is how my spirit has “peace and rest” in the moment while my fellow travelers are suffering and could use something, anything, from me to provide relief. Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” And rather than answering his bold challenge to You, You asked him a greater question: “What have you done?” Today I stand before You convicted, knowing that in some instances that what I have done is walked away. In other instances I have “slept” in the “inner part of the ship.” And when I think about how many times You have blessed me through folks just passing by, I am ashamed at my lack of responsiveness to Your Holy Spirit inspired guidance. Lord, I pray first for Your forgiveness. I am deeply sorry for not demonstrating Your love and deliverance in a tangible way. I pray today for opportunities to right the wrongs, and to be a vessel of Your lovingkindness and compassion for someone else. I realize that some may never know who You are without my testimony and acts of love. Some may not even appreciate what I try to do. However, it is not for them. It is to glorify You. Use me to be that person today. Use me to leave Your fingerprints on somebody’s life. Please.