Peace family, sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by the needs of planet Earth. I have been feeling that way today! How about you?
If you have a tender heart, it can be truly exhausting. Around the world, there are so many humanitarian crises, refugees, terrorist acts, starving people, children needing foster homes or being abused, natural disasters, government corruption, and more. Meanwhile, on a personal level, there are friends who are ill, who can’t find jobs or are failing at work, who are struggling with their families, who are depressed, who are addicted, who are making bad decisions, or who are in discord with other friends, not to mention the new people to meet and introduce to Christ. There are so many voices crying out for help, and so many people who are vying for attention, resources, time, energy, and money.
In a world where social media and television are continually hurling the terrible in our faces, no wonder we get overwhelmed! My temptation is also to become hard-hearted. I begin to feel like I have nothing left to give emotionally, physically, financially, or otherwise to all of the needs I hear about.
After I spent some time feeling discouraged, frustrated, and finally, freaking out this morning, that still, small, voice reminded me to thank God that it’s not all up to me. And it’s not about all up to you, either, Peace family. God has built the church as a world-wide network and family of believers, not lone heroes. He uses our resources, energy and time collectively with one another to accomplish his purposes, minister to people, and share his truths. If there is a need that I cannot physically or financially meet, certainly God can line someone else up to meet it. I can do the little part that I can, and I can pray about things that I have no power to improve instead of becoming distressed and full of despair. I can take care of the duties and people that God has given me in the place where he has put me and the season that I am growing through, right where I am.
Peace family, what is unique about the place where God has you? What people and needs in your life can you reach out to and take care of? And if your heart is for the nations, what are some ways that you can serve here and now while you keep looking towards needs abroad?
God knows what’s going on, and in the greatness of his plan, we personally aren’t that important. If we fail, God has many in his army to help as needed. God is still in control, even when things look crazy, and he isn’t going to let evil win. Thank God that he is God, and I am not!
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