Meeting the Need

People don't need sandwiches, they need to be loved - they don't need
change, but they need to be cared for - they don't need pity, they need to
be listened to, known. These are human needs that God desires to fill
himself and through his people.

Many times we try to satisfy others by providing them with a possession of
some nature or showing them that we feel sorry for them. I can admit that I
have done this before and I bet many of you could say the same thing.
Especially during a time such as Christmas, we feel more of a need to give
to others. But it doesnít only have to be at Christmastime that we extend a
hand to others. Instead of a quick fix it can be a simple offering of your
time and guidance.

Sometimes what you can give of yourself is more important than any
possession someone could receive. It could be as simple as talking or
listening to friends or classmates or doing a simple act of kindness for
someone. Who knows - that could potentially make their day! It could also
be something like helping out the less fortunate or going carolling at a
long-term care facility. It could even be something as extreme as going on
a mission trip and serving others. These are only a few of the many ways
that one can meet real needs of others and show them that God loves and
cares for them.

Some may be saying, "This is not me" or "There is no way that I can do
this!" Don't believe it! This is possible for everyone! Always remember
these words and this will give you the strength to achieve anything that God
desires you to do:

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

You need to put your trust in God. God desires for you to share your love
for him with others in the simplest of ways. It is through your love for
God that you have the strength to provide love and kindness to others.

I encourage you try to do even the smallest of acts for someone else. Share
your love of God with others. It is your love for God that makes you
different and others will see that there is something different and special
about you. You never know, it might even be contagious! God has called
each and every one of you to live out his ways. I challenge you to live out
Godís desires and provide those needs that so many people share. People just
need to be loved and cared for and prayed for - and this is possible for YOU
to do. Pray about it and know that you can have a real impact on someoneís
life. This may even have an impact on your own life. You may feel so
fulfilled. Provide to others what you have within you and that others do
not have and so desperately seek.

Show others that there is something different about you! Check out these scriptures:

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into
our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:5)

"I will trust and will not be afraid, for the lord God is my strength and
my might" (Isaiah 12:2)

We need to reach out to God and to others in our life and trust that God is with us. We need to wake up from our old routines and love and care for others around us by using the strength that
God has given to us.

Galatians 6:9-10

Jenn Dringus is 19 and from Welland, Ontario. Jenn is a student at Brock University.