Does God really care when around us we see people living in abject poverty and anguish?
Admittedly, despite believing (and trying to believe, when belief waivers) that God is always good, always kind and sovereign in all situations, the question stumps me sometimes. Yes, we do live in a fallen world but why, by merely being born in one place rather than another, would circumstances differ so radically?
There’s an important truth that I sometimes forget (much to my dismay). In His word, God calls us, His children, to care for those who cannot do so themselves. Therefore, we each have a personal invitation from God to partner with Him in bringing redemption and care to people on whom He wants to lavish His love. In God’s wisdom He uniquely designed us for specific purposes and callings, which means that the way in which we’re called to love and serve others will look different from person to person. However, in all cases, we need to be obedient to what it is He is calling us to.
I’ve just finished reading Kisses from Katie - A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption, by Katie Davis, and was struck by her huge desire to obey God in His plan to show love to people. Her story involved (among other things!) the adoption of 13 Ugandan girls and starting a whole new life in Uganda – at the age of 18. I’d really recommend reading the book, but if you don’t get around to it, here are some of my favourite things in the book:
For more on social justice, God’s redemptive plan for the world and how we’re called to be part of this, Tim Keller’s Generous Justice is a good place to start.
Admittedly, despite believing (and trying to believe, when belief waivers) that God is always good, always kind and sovereign in all situations, the question stumps me sometimes. Yes, we do live in a fallen world but why, by merely being born in one place rather than another, would circumstances differ so radically?
There’s an important truth that I sometimes forget (much to my dismay). In His word, God calls us, His children, to care for those who cannot do so themselves. Therefore, we each have a personal invitation from God to partner with Him in bringing redemption and care to people on whom He wants to lavish His love. In God’s wisdom He uniquely designed us for specific purposes and callings, which means that the way in which we’re called to love and serve others will look different from person to person. However, in all cases, we need to be obedient to what it is He is calling us to.
I’ve just finished reading Kisses from Katie - A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption, by Katie Davis, and was struck by her huge desire to obey God in His plan to show love to people. Her story involved (among other things!) the adoption of 13 Ugandan girls and starting a whole new life in Uganda – at the age of 18. I’d really recommend reading the book, but if you don’t get around to it, here are some of my favourite things in the book:
- The way in which God’s joy rests upon those who love Him with all their hearts – despite their circumstances.
- The way in which God shows Katie how to help the Ugandan people around her – sometimes not always in the way she thinks she should, initially. Although there is much heartbreak and suffering, there is a thread of restoration throughout, which slowly starts to transform entire communities.
- The way in which Katie repeatedly stresses her utter dependence on God, and how humbled and grateful she is to be His daughter.
- The way in which it is God’s design for us, in all our messiness and imperfection, to serve others that they too may know His great love.
- The way in which serving, although seemingly one-sided, is never as simple as that. With it comes so much in return – even though it may not always be what was expected.
For more on social justice, God’s redemptive plan for the world and how we’re called to be part of this, Tim Keller’s Generous Justice is a good place to start.