My friend needed to practice parallel parking before her driving test that was coming up soon. I was praying about and looking for a safe place to teach her when the idea came to go to a neighborhood church with an ample parking lot. After we set up what turned out to be a less-than-ideal practice parking space using folding chairs, she made her first attempt to back into the spot and park between the chairs. The pastor came out with orange cones in hand, which would be similar to the ones used in a driving test, and he introduced himself. He asked, “Could you use these cones?” He continued, “Just last week our church family was talking about ways to help neighbors who are new to our community. And we discussed letting people use these cones in our parking lot for parking practice.” They had prepared to help others, and what a blessing they were for my friend.
Prepared to help others. That’s what God did for us and in us. He “prepared in advance” for us to do good works and care for others (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle Paul says, “We are God’s handiwork” so we serve under His direction and for His purposes. Salvation is a gift from God, who is “rich in mercy” (vv. 4, 8). Our good works are a work of God through us.
We have been prepared by God, and He will give us compassion and wisdom to prepare to reach out to others.
