While viewing a collection of beautiful stained glass windows recovered from 19th century churches, I was struck by the remarks and comments that I overheard from other visitors to the display. In fact, I was shocked.

The first response came from a teenage boy and girl who were viewing a window of Jesus that contained the passage of scripture from John's gospel that states to see Jesus is to see the Father. They wondered out loud together who the figure was, who the Father was and what the words meant. Then a family approached some windows that contained images from Jesus' life. It was obvious to me by their conversation that they had never seen windows like these and the boy even asked his mother if these were in churches. Finally, another family came through and they were attempting to determine for each other what the windows were about. From all the people who came by, perhaps 20 or so, I was the only one who was conversant with the truth and reality of God that the windows were symbolizing.

When I left the exhibit, I was deeply impressed by the need of the church and its people to be ready and eager to serve God by reaching out to those who are far from Him. The world around is filled with those who have become absorbed with their own agendas, own desires and own purposes. However, God is at work and whenever His church and His people are willing and ready to be used, God will guide them to care for the needy, seek the lost, heal the broken hearted, serve the poor, embrace the lonely and share the good news of Jesus. It is God's wish for His people to become an irresistible influence whenever we become externally focused.

I do not know about you, but I am ready to be an instrument in God's service. I am ready to help those who have never considered God's love and purpose for them to find the true hope and joy that can only come from God. Are you ready?