Anticipating Needs

The Life of Abraham: Living Out God’s Story | Successful Service
Bible Reference: Genesis 18:1-15

Day 38 | Successful Service - Anticipating Needs

“What do the people around you need and how can you best serve them? ”

Genesis 18:4-5
"Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. Later, you can continue on.” “Yes,” they replied, “do as you have said.”

On a hot sunny day, we found that Abraham served his guests appropriately, in a way that met their needs. How did he do that? He anticipated their needs as weary travelers making their journey through the wilderness.

Jesus speaks of such practical ways of serving on the final day of judgment:  

Matthew 25:35-36,40
"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me... I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!"

In fact, James criticizes inappropriate service :

James 2:15-16
Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

What do the people around you need and how can you best serve them? Learning and practising this will help you become a better spouse, parent, child, friend, minister, boss and employee. May you have a rich and meaningful experience as you embark on anticipating the needs of the people you serve.