Journeying to the Outside of Myself

So, I've been thinking...dangerous, eh? :) As I begin to ponder my purpose in life, I unavoidably run into the mission of all Christians. Yes, go into all the world.

Recently, I ran across a scripture passage twice in two totally different settings.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. I Peter 2:9

I can totally see rejoicing with others when things are going great and pointing out that God is the giver of good things. But what does it mean to "show the goodness of God" to someone in a hopeless situation? For example, I have an older brother who I don't talk to very often. Recently we have begun chatting again. He is going through tremendous depression that was set off by watching his friends get in a horrific car wreck and being unable to do anything to help them as the vehicle burned up. He's not a follower Christ. So, as I talk with him, my heart goes out to him and I feel his pain but somehow stumble at what can I say that will ease his pain? How can I show him God's goodness in this?

This past week-end, he was in a wreck himself as he decided to drink while he is taking an anti-depressant. He, wearing no seat belt, rolled his truck several times and totalled it but he wasn't severely hurt. My heart rejoiced when I heard him say "There's obviously someone else out there looking out for me because I shouldn't even be alive."

"Yes, there is and He's always been!" I replied.

I pray for him daily, check in with him, and let him know that I am here! Besides, God is a constant faithful kind of God. Is there more to God's goodness that I can be showing him? I desperately want to see him surrender his life to Christ. Why? Not because his life will be perfect or even easy but because he will a friend that sticks closer than a brother, our Lord who can redeem and save us from our empty lives!