Hospital visits and Stewardship

I have some friends who are in the hospital right now. One is very ill and close to death. The others will survive, but they are in serious situations.

God has given me a burden and desire to visit these friends, so I have been travelling to the hospital every day for awhile to listen, comfort and pray for those who are suffering terribly. Much of the time is spent sitting next to the family members who are worried, tired and grieving. The hope they have is in the Great Physician who is pleased to work through mortal doctors and nurses.

What do hospital visits have to do with stewardship? They remind me of some important truths and they help keep me calibrated and motivated. Here are a few that may resonate with you:

1. Every day I wake is a blessing from God, a day to acknowledge Him as my Master Scheduler.
2. The fact that I can walk into the hospital and walk out is another blessing. So, my tiredness is not important.
3. Everyone needs a good word and human touch. As disciples of Christ we are to come alongside (Gal. 6) and help bear one another's burdens.
4. Giving resources to Kingdom work (including mine) is important, but it is not always the priority; life and death issues can consume the whole mind of a donor.
5. Life on this earth is short. We need to make good use of our time.
6. Our hospital-bound friends may be receptive to the gospel; they may be experiencing the lack of other "saviors", like health and status and wealth.
7. God is pleased when we keep the well-being of others foremost in our minds. If I leave my home thinking, "Where will the next big gift come from?", I am not thinking the Lord's thoughts.

How does the practice of hospital ministry impact my fund-raising? It gives me a sensitivity and care for others and keeps me grateful for the blessing of availability.