A Higher Calling

"Sometimes I would like to ask God, why He allows poverty, famine and injustice in the world, when He could do something about it...but I'm afraid He might ask me the same question." -Anonymous

Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act. - Proverbs 24:12

Ok...I'm sick and tired of pretending I'm only one person and can't do "much" for others in this world particularly for the poor and needy. God has opened my eyes this past year, and the poor and needy, the ugly and the last weigh heavy on my heart. Sure, I can ignore it and it will mostly go away as I go about my days seeking what I want and how I can get more... more stuff, more money, more time for myself, more clothes, more organizing, more food, more ideas???! ahhhh!

God, who has blessed me with much, does not want me to keep seeking and seeking for myself (or maybe those few other people in my life who are easy for me to bless)...but isn't that what I do? What we do? Sure, I'll buy this stuff and to curb my guilt I'll give a few bucks to the missions offering at church. Who are we kidding? Is that the kind of sacrifice that God wants from us? That He has called us to? Just a few easy dollars, minutes, prayers here and there for the suffering?

I am reminded of the passage in Mark 12 that describes the widow's offering of a mere two copper coins (equaling one penny). Verse 43 says, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed OUT OF THEIR ABUNDANCE but she OUT OF HER POVERTY has put in EVERYTHING she had to live on."

Are you giving simply out of your abundance just like everyone else, or can you truly say at the end of the day that everything God gave you, you gave away?

Ignorance is bliss at times, and it is easier to live our lives pretending that there are no poor, no needy, no orphans, no widows, no starving, no sick... James 1:27 so beautifully says, "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

My resolution: to truly give of myself this year, in big ways and small ways, across the globe and across the street, and to actively seek to love like Jesus and be His hands and feet. (wow...that rhymed!)

God, give me grace as I step out in faith trusting You to continually work through me, sanctifying me. You are great Father, and I want to live for You. I now know that I do not need to do anything to gain your love, acceptance or blessing; all has been finished on the cross, and You are my heavenly Father who loves to pour our Your love and grace on me no matter what I do. I pray that I would never cease to cling to the cross savoring all that You have done for me. Thank you for choosing me and laying down Your life for mine. How wondrous You are. You amaze me. This year, Lord, help me to remember Your promises, Your truths. Help me to live simply, and to continually meditate on things above, things of You. No matter how I feel, what my circumstances are, or where I am, I pray that I would always give thanks and rest in Your glorious grace. Thank You Father. I love you.