One summer when I was a teenager, I helped my dad renovate my aunt’s house. We tried to spend as little time in the attic as we could, but there were several things that had to be fixed. Part of the roof needed reinforcement, insulation needed replacement, and new wiring needed to be run. You didn’t have to spend a long time up there before you were drenched in sweat from the sweltering heat
It was work. I remember one day we spent hours in the attic. It was awful. On the last day we completed our final task. It was the hottest part of the day and I was exhausted. When I got down off the ladder, I saw two large cups of ice water waiting for us. At that exact moment, a simple cup of water was what I wanted more than anything.
When I took the first drink of water, I could feel the coolness down my throat and in my belly. I gulped and gulped and instantly felt refreshed. I felt my body temperature come back into control. I wiped my forehead and felt revived. It seemed like that one cup of water had given me enough energy to do more. I felt stronger. The difference was immediate.
We’ve been given many blessings. Each breath is a gift. Each day is a gift. You may not have the income you want. You may not have the material things you strive for. You may be thankful that you’ve made it one more day.
No matter what your circumstance is, God has put you in an opportunity to be the “cool glass of water” for someone else. In the book of Hebrews, chapter 13 verse 16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
You have a list of things a mile long that wish others would do for you. Regardless, God has done amazing things in your life, and he has given you something that you could do for someone else.
The need is there. There are people working even though they’re exhausted. Sometimes something as simple as a glass of water would affect them. It could energize them, encourage them, or just give them a moment of comfort. Someone in your community, family, or city is overwhelmed.
You may not have money to give them. Maybe it’s time. Maybe it’s a smile. Maybe it’s an encouraging word. Or maybe it’s a cup of water because you know they’re tired.
God tells us to not to neglect these things. We should share what we have, no matter what it looks like. Look for these opportunities. Ask people how you can help. If you make sacrifices to help others, know that God sees it. He has promised that these things are pleasing to Him.
If this speaks to you today, here is a prayer to share and make sacrifices.
Dear creator God, you’ve poured out so many blessings upon me. You’ve given me everything I have, including every breath I take. I pray God that you open my eyes to the needs around me. I pray that you give me a heart of generosity. I ask for you to give me opportunities to share with others.God I pray that you be in my heart and give me the wisdom to know what things I can do for others. I want to be a way to refresh them and replenish them. Make me a resource for others. I want to share your love with others. Please give me the spirit to help and the knowledge to know when to step up. God, please be with those that need comfort. Be with those that are exhausted, overworked, and are struggling. Help me to be a light for them, so they can know that acts of kindness are praise to your name. Amen.