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Helping With Hurdles
October 8, 2012

When my daughter Debbie was a little girl, she took ballet lessons. One dance exercise involved jumping over a rolled-up gym mat. Debbie’s first attempt resulted in her bouncing off this hurdle. For a moment she sat on the floor stunned, and then she began to cry. Immediately, I darted out to help her up and spoke soothing words to her. Then, holding her hand, I ran with her until she successfully jumped over the rolled-up mat. Debbie needed my encouragement to clear that hurdle.

While working with Paul on his first missionary journey, John Mark faced a major hurdle of his own: Things got tough on the trip, and he quit. When Barnabas tried to re-enlist Mark for Paul’s second journey, it created conflict. Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance, but Paul saw him as a liability. Ultimately, they parted ways, and Barnabas took Mark with him on his journey (Acts 15:36-39).

The Bible is silent about John Mark’s response when Barnabas helped him over his ministry hurdle. However, he must have proven himself, because Paul later wrote that John Mark “is useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).

When we see a believer struggling with an apparent failure, we should provide help. Can you think of someone who needs your help to clear a hurdle?

Lord, I want to show the kindness of Your
heart today. Please show me who I can help
and in what way. I want my words and deeds
to convey Your love. Amen.

Kindness picks others up when troubles weigh them down.

Read: Acts 15:36-41

Two are better than one . . . . For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Bible in a Year:
Zechariah 1-2

Many are the believers that are like John Mark ... going along on the mission to tell others the Word and message of Jesus Christ, and then along the way, John Mark decides to go home, and leave Paul and Barnabas and Silas. No incite as to why, what was his reason for leaving them ... weary?, loss of jest? ... it would seem Paul alone would be the best teacher of all, so being along was an honor, the best way to learn, and know the message and how to tell it to the people.

Oh LORD let us not be like John Mark. Later on He was willing to join Barnabas and Paul, but Paul said NO! Opportunity there lost by John Mark's previous decision.

Missed blessings, indeed. Forgive us LORD for our times of weak faith, in Jesus name, Amen.

Many are the believers that are like John Mark ... going along on the mission to tell others the Word and message of Jesus Christ, and then along the way, John Mark decides to go home, and leave Paul and Barnabas and Silas. No incite as to why, what was his reason for leaving them ... weary?, loss of jest? ... it would seem Paul alone would be the best teacher of all, so being along was an honor, the best way to learn, and know the message and how to tell it to the people.

Oh LORD let us not be like John Mark. Later on He was willing to join Barnabas and Paul, but Paul said NO! Opportunity there lost by John Mark's previous decision.

Missed blessings, indeed. Forgive us LORD for our times of weak faith, in Jesus name, Amen.