On February 17th of this year, I was reading in the book of Amos how God condemned Israel for several specific sins. One was His people’s mistreatment of the poor. While I don’t mistreat people in need, one thing did become very clear to me that day. I sometimes really don’t help or give to those who are in need as I should and am able.
So, I wrote down that day that God cares greatly for those living in poverty, and I should too. I asked God to help me be more attentive to the basic needs of others in the world. And I asked Him to lead me to give when the opportunity arises.
While there’s no excuse to ignore those who are disadvantaged and living in poverty, I often feel overwhelmed when I consider the number of people in the world who have significant needs. I think if only I had the financial means or ways to make a significant impact at bettering the lives of those in need! Yet, I remembered while no one of us can help everyone in need or solve every world hunger problem, each one of us can do something to help someone else.
Fast forward five days later, my husband and I were attending a MercyMe concert. Honestly, it had been a very busy five days of travel, and I had forgotten about my earlier prayer and the focus of that quiet time. Yet, God certainly didn’t. He answered my prayer and brought me an amazing opportunity through Children International to sponsor and pray for a precious little boy.
Please know I certainly don’t tell you this to brag about anything that I’ve ever done! Instead, I always hope to encourage you here! I want to encourage you if you sometimes feel as I do – overwhelmed by this world’s problems and not knowing what to do. Ask God to open doors where you are able to give and help someone. I want you to know if you feel your contributions are or would be too little to serve any real purpose – that God can use anything no matter how small in a mighty way!
Our giving to those in need not only blesses others but us as well….
It renews our hope and exercises our faith.
Giving to others in need changes our perspective. Our problems no longer seem so great.
It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose.
We get to see up close and experience God’s hand working and moving in this world.
We glorify God by sharing and paying forward His blessings in our lives.
I pray God will help each of us believers to be more sensitive to the needs of others and move each of us to do something whether that be in our neighborhood, town, state, country, or across the world. If you feel led and are interested in learning more about Children International, here is the link to their website.