“When my daughter Debbie was a little girl, she took ballet lessons. One
dance exercise involved jumping over a rolled-up gym mat. Debbie’s first
attempt resulted in her bouncing off this hurdle. For a moment she sat on the
floor stunned, and then she began to cry. Immediately, I darted out to help her
up and spoke soothing words to her. Then, holding her hand, I ran with her
until she successfully jumped over the rolled-up mat. Debbie needed my
encouragement to clear that hurdle.” (D.F. – american writer)
While
working with Paul on his first missionary journey, John Mark faced a major
hurdle of his own: Things got tough on the trip, and he quit. When Barnabas
tried to re-enlist Mark for Paul’s second journey, it created conflict.
Barnabas wanted to give him a second chance, but Paul saw him as a liability.
Ultimately, they parted ways, and Barnabas took Mark with him on his journey
(Acts 15:36-39).
The Bible
is silent about John Mark’s response when Barnabas helped him over his ministry
hurdle. However, he must have proven himself, because Paul later wrote that
John Mark “is useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).
When we
see a person struggling with an apparent failure, we should provide help. Can
you think of someone who needs your help to clear a hurdle?
Kindness
picks others up when troubles weigh them down. (RBC)
