Shift Your Gaze to Them

 “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. “ – 1 Peter 4:11

 

  Looking through the glass, she dreams of a life outside of these walls.  The cold concrete that surrounds her offers no glimpse of hope, and has scarred her knees more then she leads on.  It wasn’t long ago that she had a room of bright colors and flowers.  A dollhouse in the corner, a dresser, desk and lampstand used to be a welcome sight when her Mommy would tuck her in at night.  Hours and hours had been spent in her room playing with Barbies and make believe. The memories flood her mind from a life that seems so very distant at this point.  She remembers when the policeman came to the door and told her of the accident.  The nightmare continues every single night as she lies down on the cot amongst strangers and cries herself to sleep.  Her only true possession is a necklace of a heart locket with the words – “I will always love you – God”  At the age of 9 her chances of adoption are significantly less than the others around her who range from newborn through 5.  So she sits and stares out the glass at the rusting swingset and litter covered playhouse and she dreams of tomorrow.

There are over 400,000 children living in foster care or orphanages across America today and substantially more around the globe.  Many living in conditions that are unbelievable; filthy, overcrowded and unloving.  It’s nothing short of devastating when you think about how many children don’t have a loving mother or father to hug each night or morning.  No bedtime story, no laughter, no imagination, no prayer around a dinner table, no cuddling up for a warm hug.  These are the forgotten ones.  These are the children that will always question Why me?  What did I do to deserve this?  Why can’t I be in a family?

For our family, this week is Spring Break.  I must sit back and ask what am I doing this week to further the Kingdom of God?  Spring Break normally involves getting away from it all.  Going to the beach, perhaps working on projects around the house, perhaps going to the movies, the mall, or a favorite restaurant.  Perhaps getting ahead on some work on some major projects due next week, so you’re camping at the kitchen table during Spring Break.  What if I asked you to take time out of your week and bring some joy to others with your time?   What if you called your local orphanage or Women’s and Children shelter and took them some games, coloring books, or toys?  These children do not get a Spring Break, yet are still just as much in need of love and blessings. 

This week we need to focus on living a legacy rather than just living.  Live in a manner that makes a big difference in God’s Kingdom by loving and serving others first. 
STEP 1: Make a list of the things you can do for God without any limitations
STEP 2: Evaluate what is keeping you from pursuing those things
STEP 3: Make a list of the things you can do for God with no means, no material possessions, job, family or money,
STEP 4: Evaluate and prioritize your time 

The final STEP 5: Take action NOW.  

You have made a list of things you would do for God, and you have evaluated what gets in your way from taking actionon.  What I’m asking you to do today is take a step toward fulfilling one of the things from your list.  You might not have the funds or time to complete the fullness of your plan, but you have a full week to give to the world and represent the love of God to someone else.  You are choosing how you spend each day, and you alone can prioritize others ahead of yourself for this one week.  The real question is, will you?  Will you take one step closer to fulfilling God’s command to love others as God loved you?  Pray about what God wants you to do tomorrow.  Pray for Him to break down any and all obstacles preventing you from delivering.