“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”—Romans 5:6 NASB

What does it mean to be “helpless”? Paul used a Greek word that means not having any strength or abilities, feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and weak. This was our condition when Jesus came into this world. But He came to save helpless people who cannot save themselves. Throughout our lives, we remain helpless. We can easily trust in our own resources and abilities. But the experiences of life help us remember that conditions can change in the blink of an eye. The Bible reminds us that we are strongest when we completely depend upon God. As Paul wrote, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). When we realize that we are helpless in ourselves, when we trust in Him for everything, and when we draw on His power and unlimited resources, then we are made strong. How can we begin to understand a love like this? It is completely contrary to human nature. God reached out to us even when we did not deserve His help. Today, remember that “by grace you have been saved through faith.” This is God’s free gift (Ephesians 2:8). His “grace is sufficient,” for His “power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). You “can do all things through Him who strengthens [you]” (Philippians 4:13). Trust in Him. Have faith. Declare His promises to be true in your life. Depend on Him, and draw on His strength.

Reflection Question:What happens when you rely on your own strength and abilities?

“Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest.”—John 4:35 NASB

Jews and Samaritans were not just hostile neighbors. They were outright enemies. On occasion, Samaritans were known to kidnap Jews traveling through Samaria on their way to Jerusalem—even selling some into slavery. Jesus saw a harvest field instead of hostilities when looking at Samaritans. He was willing to talk with them—even a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. When the disciples returned from looking for food, they could not understand why He would talk with such people. But Jesus was not worried about how other people reacted. He focused on doing the will of the Father to reach people who needed salvation. When the disciples questioned Him, Jesus told them to open their eyes. They needed to let God free them of their prejudices, so they could see the world in a new way. They needed to be filled with compassion. The fields are still white and ready for harvest. Where are these fields? They are all around us—people we know, circumstances in which we are comfortable, our homes, communities, and places of employment. But these fields also include people from different cultures, people with whom we have had differences, strangers, and people we might even consider enemies. Ask God to let His Spirit help you see the world in a new light. Let Him show you the people you can touch. Those people are your harvest fields.

Reflection Question: Where are your personal mission fields ready for harvest?