We had traveled down this stretch of highway multiple times.  Every few months or so, my family and I made the two-and-a-half hour drive from St. Louis up to Canton, Missouri, to visit my grandmother.  Within thirty minutes of reaching our destination, my younger brother and I would always see the familiar water tower ahead and know we would be reaching our destination soon.

Here, at the hospital, we as associates are always on the lookout for the “familiar signs” in our roles and know how to respond accordingly.  For physicians and nurses, they know routine procedures to perform when body parts are or are not functioning certain ways.  Respiratory therapists respond to symptoms of patients in respiratory distress.  Social workers and chaplains react in a similar fashion every time a family needs to be notified.  And the list goes on.

Similar to how each of us is familiar with the various components of our profession  and how to react accordingly, the Lord recognizes the symptoms that His people display in their various needs and, thus, responds to them in His own way.  For instance, He offers wisdom to those who are lost or confused (Proverbs 2:6).  He also gives peace during disturbing circumstances (John 14:27; John 16:33).  He further brings comfort to those who are hurting (Job 5:11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  No matter the symptoms we present, God can always intervene.

Merciful Lord, intervene in our lives as You guide us in our interventions with others.  Amen.