Ever had to deal with jarringly unhelpful people? Those who seem out to create havoc, often compromising on others' wellbeing because of the way they act. Often, these people are outspoken, brash and a natural centre-of-attention - and have great influence.

Jesus explains that his followers can sometimes be led off like wandering sheep (Matthew 18:12). Usually, the sheep that wanders is led astray by the influence of those in the next field. It's the draw of the convincing ones, who pretend to have all the green grass under their feet. Someone who's confidently rebellious, whether out loud or in more subtle, contagious ways, could really be someone who's in need: in need of a sense of purpose, identity or just friends. Prayer is a great starting response to that need, especially when they may be hard to approach in a real, vulnerable way.

In fact, in whatever context this reading applies to us, it's so important to pray. Not just for the salvation of the person in question, but for the people they're influencing. Let's be persistent with our praying, do it regularly, and keep looking for God to open up opportunities, and start softening hearts, to make it possible to have a conversation with that person.

So what now? Proverbs 28:10 talks about those who lead good people astray. Let's pray for those leading others down a wrong path - that their efforts would be thwarted. Ask God to be right in the middle of that situation.

Perhaps where we're at now is draining us of the energy we need to get through. When we're in a desperate place, let's never forget that God's arms are around us, even when we can't see light at the end of the tunnel.

Let's head to John 6:1-15, where Jesus and his disciples are faced with a crowd of five thousand. Five loaves and two fish aren't exactly the lunch this massive crowd was hoping for. The disciple Andrew's response reflects exactly how we can feel when we look down at the minimal supplies we have. In John 6:9 NLT he says, 'What good is that with this huge crowd?' Who can blame him? It's natural. But that's just it, it's natural.

To look at our situation through God's eyes is to rely on his long history of supernatural faithfulness. The Bible's full of unchangeable situations. Imagine how the early Church felt about Saul, the most violent opponent of Christians. No one would be blamed for thinking Saul would never turn to Jesus; he wanted God's people chained up (Acts 9:2). But, a few verses later, he's with the disciples serving Jesus.

God wants to show us how he can, and will, blow the natural, pessimistic responses we have, out of the water.

So what now? Given up on something you hoped might work out? Pray, then take another look at it. Maybe God will confirm you should leave it, or maybe he wants you to look at it from his point of view. See what happens.

The apostle Paul asks, 'Do you look at things according to the outward appearance' (2 Corinthians 10:7 NKJV)? If we're honest, our answer may be 'often'. Let's look at David's story. When the prophet Samuel paid a visit to David's family looking for the next king for Israel, he wanted to meet all the sons of Jesse. But David, the youngest, wasn't even asked by his father to join them. Left to tend the sheep, Jesse assumed that David's age and lack of experience compared to his older brothers made him not worthy.

But David was top-notch for the job: 'glowing with health' (1 Samuel 16:12 NIV) and filled with courage. He was not the scrawny boy his father saw; he was meant to have an important position.

Similarly for us, God has our opportunities lined up, despite what anyone may say about us not making it. So it's always worth praying for patience, and bravery, with people who make us feel inferior. Let's love them, but not believe their put-downs. Let's remember that God's given his life for us, so we already have his approving welcome.

So what now? Who has put you down? Whether a past or current thing, it's time to pray for a patient and forgiving spirit. Pray for wisdom on how to move forward. Being filled with grace and love doesn't mean we have to accept something that's outright wrong. Write the offence down, pray over it, and share it with a wise friend if you need to talk.

What does it mean to not look at people from a 'worldly point of view' (2 Corinthians 5:16 NIV)? First up, some context. In the previous few verses, Paul has explained that we're waiting on a new body that God will give us in 'our heavenly dwelling' (2 Corinthians 5:4 NIV). That changes how we could (and should) relate to others. When God gets in and starts to re-furb us into a 'new creation', these changes make us more and more free to live for him (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We must remember that change is a process. We're all still in an earthly form that isn't completely Christ-like. Easy enough to accept about ourselves, but we must remember that others are 'under construction' as well. We need to give grace to others; they are on a journey with God just as we are. The same goes for those who aren't yet Christians. Who knows what God is doing in the deepest places of their heart?

The best response to someone we wish God was 'working-on-a-little-bit-faster', is to make the most of the good we see. Truth is, God holds fast to us despite any pain we cause. When we're open enough with him to accept that, and live 'for him who died for them and was raised again' (2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV), we'll be able to treat others with the same grace.

So what now? Write down five godly qualities you love seeing in others. Today, when you see someone living one of them out, compliment them on it.

The book of Jude. It's short and sweet. Down at the bottom of the only chapter, Jude advises on approaching others, including those who doubt and those who need 'snatching ... from the fire' (Jude 1:23 NIV).

If this seems street-preachy-ish, it's not too far off that. Whether or not this method seems appropriate, the kind of outreach that requires a quick, urging approach shouldn't be cast away. Imagine 'snatching' someone from a literal fire. No second guessing or skirting round the edges. When we see someone flirting with spiritual/mental danger, our response shouldn't be one of waiting around. Now, this is not about standing on our nearest street corner with a 'The end is nigh!' sign. It's about praying for a chance to speak directly and immediately into people's lives. Sometimes, Jesus speaks so clearly that there's no need for opening lines, three-point sermons or even a coffee meet.

There are moments to 'arrest' someone who's putting themselves in danger right now and/or for eternity. In Mark 5:1-35, Jesus' responses to a sick woman and a demon-possessed man are quite different. The woman needed more space and gentleness, whereas the man wasn't going to listen to anything except a real in-the-moment truth. Heaps of discernment are very necessary, and prayer is key.

So what now? Read the book of Jude. Ask God to give you his discernment and wisdom for when someone needs to be 'rescued from the fire'.

Ephesians 2:8 says we have been saved through faith. How does faith work? We are not saved by a feeling. Nope, not the feels. But rather by getting to grips with the simplicity, challenge and complexity of the Gospel of Jesus, then accepting it for our lives. Reminding ourselves of the 'Good News' of Jesus every day gives us a solid faith foundation. We need to remember every day how much God loves us.

Romans 10:17 tells us not to wait for a bolt of lightning to ignite our faith. If we've ever found ourselves waiting for our experience of God to kick off, like the guy five seats away who always lifts his hands in worship, we don't need to. When someone's truly close to God, they've been spending quality time with him. It's about listening to God, and not trying to force anything by ourselves.

Hebrews 11:6 encourages us that to truly 'hear' the word of God we need to receive it with an open heart. Even the best sermon, on its own, can't bring us closer to God. Believing that God is alive and willing to meet with us will greatly help that: 'Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him' (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

So what now? Have you been taking faith into your own hands, trying to get closer to God without stopping to listen to his voice? Take 10 minutes, as soon as possible, to drop everything to be with him.