Have you noticed the news lately? There seems to be no end to the troubled teens, high crime rates, teen pregnancy, school dropouts, poverty and a lack of morality in this country not to mention the world.
Over the past few years I have cried out to God much like the prophet Habakkuk, “Why aren’t you doing anything about this? Why are you allowing those of us who truly follow you suffer the consequences of those who don’t? (Not to say that we are perfect)
The pastor of my church just finished a series entitled “Live Sent”. He challenged us to prayer walk our neighborhoods asking God to show us how we could reach our neighbors. He had the audacity to tell me I needed to do more, by getting out of my house and meet new people and share God’s love.
He was nuts. He was right. I needed to come out of my hiding places (the walls of my home and out from the written word) and become “Jesus” to those around me. And dare I say it, move outward from my neighborhood into the community. I wasn’t to be a Bible thumper but show love and build relationships. One neighbor, ended up in the Bible Study group I had been in three weeks later.
A month and a half ago I was called by someone at my daughter’s middle school and asked if I would like to become a mentor. I went to the training session just to see what it was all about. I walked out saying “It’s not my thing.” Why should I give a half an hour a week to some one who probably was not there on their own accord and rebellious to the core?
God gently reminded me that even a middle school student needed His love. I felt ashamed especially when I looked at my own daughters. They aren’t perfect or have the perfect parents. What they do have are parents who try to live as an example of Christ. If I can give another middle school student a little hope and godly love, it would be worth it. That is what it’s all about, being available to what God has for me. I can’t wait to meet the middle school student I am going to mentor.
What about you? Will you live sent and do something with the pain, hurt or need you see around you? Maybe He is waiting for you to say “yes, I will go.” Maybe it will be the local pregnancy center as a counselor, or Big Brothers Big Sisters, or feed the homeless. It could simply be getting to know your neighbors next door.
WARNING: Don’t ask unless you are willing to get out of your comfort zone, because He will answer.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21 (NIV 1984)
Solitude with the Father 
Yes, yes and yes! I love this post! God has me in the same spot. Stepping out in obedience to honor the great commission; I truly believe that is where God will supply our every need spiritually. I often wonder why I felt spiritual dry but I wasn’t in the trenches of living in denial of self and acceptance of dying to the flesh and walking in the Spirit! Oh the joys of my life walking in obedience and answering the call of The Great Commission! ! God is good! His Word is true and in Him is inexpressible joy, hope, peace and life! Thanks for you posts!
Christine, thank you for challenging me and for being honest with your own struggle to “do something.” The song you chose went great with your post.
I’m glad it challenged you Elaine.. Every since the message series along with living a life of worship It’s been a wild ride. I can’t wait to hear how you will answer the challenge. Thank you for the encouragement.