As I am traveling on a missions trip right now, in Asia, I am being pressed upon by the crush of humanity, and the enormous human need around me. In one particular country, the needs are all around me… I can’t escape the images in my mind of those begging, those selling and pressing me to buy their wares, not to mention the overwhelming sense that God loves each one and knows each one, whether they even acknowledge Him. It is indeed overwhelming!
One of the things that I have been recognizing that God is speaking to my heart, in this experience is, that while I am keenly aware of the needs in these places, and notice that many of the people who live here seem to be oblivious or numb to those needs, I wonder how much I miss the obvious needs where I live? Seriously… I know that where I live in Wyoming is pretty blessed! But let’s face it, there are problems there too. The question is, am I being sensitive to the needs around me, or have I also grown numb to those needs, just because I live among those needs everyday?
I know I cant take care of every need, and I know there are needs here in Asia that I cant really understand how to really solve, but I sure dont like the feeling that I may be getting calloused to the suffering not only here, but especially at home. What about you? Do you see the needs wher you are? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to challenge your thoughts and attitudes about the needs around you, in your neighborhood, and the place you work?
I am praying that the Lord not only open my eyes to the needs here, but in doing so, that I might be better aware of the needs where I live, and how to help. I may not be able to fix it all… But I believe I may be able to help.
Staying thankful, and staying sensitive, is a key part in allowing God to direct our hearts and cause us to be part of the solution, instead of a part of the problem.
I love this message; so thought provoking. Having been in Haiti twice I am well familiar of the great needs compassed about me when I was there. Jesus speaks of that several times and how he pressed through to meet those needs. But yes, we take our lives too much for granted at home, and sensitivity must be active all the time. At work it is really easy to lose focus. I missed an opportunity last week, and now the woman is no longer in this world. That woke me up. I pray now to be sensitive every day and HEAR with HIS ears……………Be Blessed and strengthened Pastor Kenny.
Good word Kenny. I too find myself looking for people who may need help or prayer, or comfort, and I think, should I, or should I just let someone else get that one? Ahhh! I pray God continues to grow my heart to reach out and help.
I hear ya, Nick! But there’s always plenty to go around. I’d risk doing a bit more and see what God is saying after that. Thanks for commenting.