Why I Felt Guilty While Giving a Thirsty Man Water

Last updated on: April 23, 2018 at 12:44 pm by Dr. Laurel Shaler

Why I Felt Guilty While Giving a Thirsty Man Water 2018-04-23T12:44:14-04:00 Dr. Laurel Shaler

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Evangelist David Ring has a powerful testimony. Despite cerebral palsy and a serious speech impediment, he has been a traveling preacher for decades and has spoken at thousands of churches. I had the privilege of hearing Mr. Ring, and well into his talk, he explained that he uses a wet washcloth to moisten his mouth since he cannot drink a glass of water on stage without assistance. He stated his shakiness might result in him dropping the cup, but he went on to say that if someone would help him, he could have a drink. He pointed to the glass of water sitting on the side of the stage, and again repeated something to the effect of, “I’m thirsty. I can’t drink that water on my own. But if someone will help me, I can get a drink.” Again and again he made this statement as the audience started to question what was going on, shifting a bit uncomfortably and whispering to one another. I finally looked at my husband and mother-in-law and said, “He wants someone to help him.” They agreed, so I walked down the aisle.

When I got to the front, Mr. Ring jokingly told me it took me long enough. Or perhaps he wasn’t joking. After all, he asked for help 9 times before I came. Never the less, I went on stage, and helped him get a long drink of water. As I held the glass in my hands, I had tears in my eyes, ashamed that I had waited so long to help with such a simple task. I could give many excuses for why it took me so long to get out of my seat – I assumed someone sitting closer would go, perhaps even the pastor of the church. (Mr. Ring later said he told the Pastor notto get up. My apologies to the Pastor.) Mr. Ring also said he knew someone would come…eventually…and that the longer we waited, the more powerful his point became. After he drank some water and I sat down, he asked some others in the sanctuary why they didn’t come up. The reality, according to Mr. Ring, is that we blew it. His point got much more serious: If we won’t take the time, take the effort, take the risk, or have the love to help someone with a glass of water, will we ever have the time, effort, risk or love to share about Jesus? I had blown that one right before walking in the church that evening.

Prior to the service, my family and I had gone out to eat dinner. Our server clearly needed the love of the Lord. Yet, I didn’t share. Our server was begging for the living water, but my own discomfort kept me from providing it. I didn’t want to take the effort or the risk. I didn’t have the time or the love. So, I stood in front of Mr. Ring holding a glass of water, thinking of that server. This was the other reason I had tears in my eyes. How I wished I had taken the time. Taken the effort. Taken the risk. Had the love. The question for me – and for you – becomes this: Will we help people get a drink? Some folks are asking over and over, desperate and begging. Instead of ignoring them, we need to boldly step out on faith and offer Jesus Christ. I don’t want to blow it again.

Previous Post

April 18, 2018

Social Media and Loneliness

Next Post

May 1, 2018 On Backpage, Paige Patterson, and the Problem Christian Men Must Stop Ignoring

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 May 2019 April 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What will happen to Satan at the end of time, according to Revelation 20:10?

Select your answer to see how you score.

He will repent and be forgiven He will be cast out of heaven again He will be thrown into the lake of fire He will roam the earth forever