It started this Fall.
As usual we began the day with prayer requests and concerns. Often the concerns are for family and friends, but that morning, like many that would follow, concerns turned to the huge needs we were seeing in our community. The latest was a child whose heals were bloody because his parents couldn't afford shoes that fit. The need was growing for shoes, outerwear, and mittens for needy kids at school .
As you may have gathered from my 1st blog, we've been studying the book of Esther. In chapter 4- Esther, who appears to have little to worry about in her fancy, seemingly untouched castle life, hears the wails of her Cousin Mordicai. Her comfortable castle life is challenged when she learns that she (along with all her people) will be annihilated within the year... unless SHE acts.
Imagine it. Life seems pretty good. Maybe monotonous at times. She's busy. She's responsible. She's doing her best to just be a good queen (bad queens are dethroned, ask Queen Vashti.) She does what queens do; but probably remains quite out of touch from the regular people. She may not even want to be out of touch. But how could one not?Those with needs are kept at a distance- out of reach. There is protocol to follow. And really, things are fine. Until, her eyes get opened to a need much greater than her own.
That's a bit how it felt that Fall morning. The problems we were seeing were not new. But like Esther, we were doing our best to be our best in our own castle domain. But, in the midst of our personal busyness, God used the story of a child with bloody feet and greater needs to open our eyes.
And then the question becomes... what are we going to do? Oh, sure, we could have continue on in our castles of "self " busy with our own needs, hoping someone else will act. But, Like Esther, God got our attention this time.
He opened our eyes to peoples problems that were far bigger than our own.
These people are our neighbors.
...and we are called to Love our neighbors.
I wrote an email to the women that evening:
"We began today with needs we are seeing in our community. They are bigger than us. One might want to say… it’s not a good time, or this is just too much right now. But no, what I see from you women is a desire to make compassion a part our your destiny! Awesome. The question was raised… can’t we do all three [ministry options]?
Please see what you think and pray about it. Remember, things that are bigger than us are exciting… because we realize the truth that it is the LORD that determines it’s success!
Let’s see what we can do! "
They did it!
An "Extras" drive in November of outerwear.
The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same. Lk 3:11
Snack bags of candy for the Food Shelf Christmas baskets in December.
Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psm 34:8
And last weekend...
102 pairs of hand-made mittens were made in 24 hours for those who need them at the school.
Each given with a bookmark reminding them that "Just like mittens... we all can get lost! He came to search for you... seek Him!"
Jesus came to seek and save the Lost.” (Lk 19:10)
What has gotten your attention, lately?
Like Esther, ask God if He's inviting you to go beyond yourself and change history there. If so, step out and see what HE will do though your willingness! He may be saying to you...
"And who knows but that you have come to [this]position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
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