I was stuck by their immediate response of faith and action. They did not simply say that they would offer prayers that God would help her. No. They realized that God was using them as His instruments, here on Earth, to show His love, compassion, and provision.
It reminded me of the James 2 verses 14-17
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
St. Augustine said "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." In other words, it is important know that nothing is impossible with God. Yet, understand that God may be calling you to action to help fulfill his plan.
As we go through Lent this year, perhaps instead of choosing to sacrifice by removing something from our diets or lives, we could sacrifice by adding a labor of love and faith into our daily schedules. Has God been calling you to start a project? Have you felt nudged to volunteer in your community? Is their a neighbor in need that would be blessed by an anonymous monetary gift?
Athletes are known to follow the motto: "No pain, no gain" The same is true with faith. A sacrificial offering of your time and effort may cramp your lifestyle for a short while. However, soon you will notice revitalization and growth in your faith.
I dare you to test that theory!
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