I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged and remembering why... why I gave up before... why it's just easier to live in my own little world and forget... forget about those in need... forget about the pain and hurt that others are experiencing... and forget that as a child of God, I am called to share His love with others.
But, I can't forget. I have seen the pictures of orphans needing homes. I have seen the pictures of men, women, and children living in the slums not knowing where they will find food. I have learned the names and seen the smiling faces of Christians persecuted for their faith, and I have read the stories of women bought and sold for another's pleasure. When you see their faces, learn their names, and take time to read their stories- YOU CANNOT FORGET. They become etched on your heart. You open your heart a little to feel love and sorrow for those who are in so much pain and you just can't forget-
the hundreds, no thousands, wait a minute- MILLIONS of people who don't have enough food, the millions of men, women, and children bought and sold into slavery, the millions of Christians persecuted for their faith, and the millions of orphans who don't have a family. And when you give them a place in your heart, you hurt for them and are compelled to help.
But, when you step out of your comfort zone and open your eyes, you realize the need is too great ... and one person can only do so much... and what about all my responsibilities here... and you get overwhelmed, discouraged, and just want to GIVE UP!
As I sat there and listened to the message of hope, I realized something and was convicted. In the midst of wanting to share God's love with others- I lost sight of the One who is Love. In striving to do good, I lost sight of the One who is Good. In my weakness, I lost sight of the One who gives strength. In my worrying and fretting, I had lost sight of the One who gives peace, the One who is able to do more than I can ask or think, and the One who loves oh so much more than I can imagine. I had taken my eyes off of Jesus, and was so thankful for the reminder to look to the One who gives HOPE!
Be encouraged with me today through Isaiah 40:28-31, "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; The shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
