Cautiously ask the Lord to break your heart for
what breaks His...because He will!
Digging up sweet potatoes in our garden I was so burdened by the children in Congo. My heart hurts! Tears are shed often for them! We live in the land of plenty. Actually, we live in the land of disgusting excess!
Luke 12:48 says, "Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater."
(Living Bible)
But what does this mean? So many in our society are considered low income and in a poverty stricken state. Millions are homeless! Who determines who has been given a lot and who has a little? Neighbors? The Government? You?
In thinking on this I am reminded of the poor widow who gave all she had and the rich who gave out of their wealth. Who gave more, the woman who gave two pennies or those who gave hundreds of dollars? Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all.” (The Message)
This verse says that this woman trusted she would be provided for. It also is saying despite what you have or have not been given, you are expected to contribute. (Not only have I heard the excuse but I have made it, "I don't have enough to live on myself! I have nothing to give.") In giving out of little or giving a lot, you are trusting that the Lord your God will provide for your every need!
Trusting fully in Christ is one thing I have learned while my husband was away in Congo and Nigeria. Especially Nigeria. Not only was he out of work for those weeks, which obviously means zero income for our household, but he was in a foreign land where Muslims sought out Christians to kill and had no form of communication home. Being unable to talk to him, just as a reassurance he was okay, was difficult and required the kind of trust in the Lord that I had not fully known...until now.
As a Christian, would Jesus be pleased with your heart? Do you give what you would not miss? We hold on tight because we do not want to be without! We are scared of growing old without a retirement plan, two cars and a vacation home.
Where is your trust? Is it in that phone call from your significant other (as it was with me)? Is it in a strong portfolio? How about in your children? Your parents? Your job? Your bank account? Where is your trust, really?
These things are not bad! However, they can become bad when we rely fully on them to provide for our needs, rather than turning to Christ to take that position.
Out of our personal excess (comparatively speaking), I feel we are called to give! In my families world that means giving time, energy, prayers, love, money and clothing to those in desperate need!
Those dear, sweet children in the Congo have not known what it is like to have plenty. But they know what it is like to trust. We could learn from them. Looking solely to the Father to provide.
Seek first the Kingdom of God. Not the kingdom of plenty.
Trusting in the unseen is never easy...but when you open up your heart to believe Jesus will provide, He will protect, He will keep His promises - He IS who He claimed to be, you let yourself off the hook of trying to control every situation and you allow the Holy Spirit to MOVE!
I implore you, Get out of the way, Give it to Him. He knows what to do, He can handle it and in return, you will have a relationship with your heavenly Father that is immeasurable!
He continues to provide because we believe He will!
Lesson Learned!
"Look at the birds of the air. They don’t plant or gather crops. They don’t put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren't you worth much more than they are?"
Matthew 6:26
