Thursday, May 28, 2026

Bible in a Year: Isaiah 62-66 | Romans 8

I lacked focus in middle and high school. And it didn’t change much when I started college. My goals often couldn’t compete with life’s distractions. And after watching someone I love slowly die for 14 years, I had a tendency to procrastinate when things seemed less important.

So, imagine my surprise when a close friend said, “I’ve never met someone as driven as you,” after I earned my master’s degree. Those words lifted my spirit and ignited a spark.

Why would someone who had already accomplished something special need encouragement?

Because even when I’m feeling like Bret Hart - “the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be” - my goals still can’t always compete with life’s distractions. I’m certainly not alone in my feelings. Many of us struggle in difficult moments.

Reflecting over the years, I’ve always had people generously pour into me when I needed it most, and it didn’t always look the same. Mr. Froelich refused to let me fail. Professor Peltri gave me books that offered healing and unlocked my love for writing. Others let me sit in silence when they understood anything more would be too loud.

That all so familiar idiom, “when it rains, it pours,” feels awful when it’s happening to you or someone you care about. It’s important to have “rain-ready” family, friends, and mentors in your life, and it’s equally essential for you to be that person for others.

Proverbs 11:25
The generous will prosper; Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Sharing generously doesn’t mean throwing money at a problem. Yes, give what you can financially, but be more intentional about giving YOU to others.

Check in on that friend whose name popped into your head instead of losing yourself in binge-watching a favorite show after a long day of work. Your voice or message could be the difference between them sinking or staying afloat. Teach someone how to network, or show them how to improve their skills to achieve more in their professional life. It’s okay to compete, but helping others along the way reminds you that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).

Don’t sit around and tell others, “It’s gon rain on your head,” in the middle of a storm. Buy them a hat, offer your coat, or stand with them so they’re not in the storm alone. It will strengthen strained relationships.

Questions:
Do you easily accept the generosity of others?

Do you believe God equips you in various ways to pour into others?

Next Steps:
Be vulnerable enough to share the tools God has shown you for dealing with grief, anger, pride, insecurity, etc. Don’t share your list of generous deeds on social media, or do so with the expectation of reciprocity. Pouring into others doesn’t need recognition. Be the safe space people need by being a great listener, a confidant, an example of discipleship, and a person who doesn’t shame.

Prayer:
God, help me be a person who refreshes rather than drains. I want to be the person who takes the time to pour into others as needed, rather than rushing for results. Show me how to be a beacon of peace, rather than a source of tension. Help me reach your community of children, rather than focusing only on my group. I want strangers to see the reflection of your heart. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Galatians 5:13
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.