Doing our Part

I read an article today about how children who are sponsored statistically do better and go farther in life. Of course, it's all about hope. When a child has hope, the false belief that they aren't as valuable because of their position in life completely diminishes. This is great news! Naomi's Village has a core belief that "hope begins when a child belongs". It is amazing to me that these two positions on hope are so similar. Really, the belonging brings hope, and hope dramatically improves a person's belief in becoming something more. 

How are you cultivating hope in others' lives? Are you spending time with people who need a listening ear? Are you sponsoring a child? Are you participating in missions-locally or abroad? Are you spending time, money, or talent in something you believe in- something that brings hope? Serving those practical needs and instilling hope in the lives of the poor, the widows, the orphans- that is a shadow of the very real hope we find in Jesus.

Do people in your life know what you believe- that the Gospel brings that hope for those who trust and believe? Or do they simply know that you go to church on the weekend? We all know those two things aren't synonymous.

Welp, I clearly have some work to do. What about you?

As for me, I would seek God,

and to God would I commit my cause,

who does great things and unsearchable,

marvelous things without number:

he gives rain on the earth

and sends waters on the fields;

he sets on high those who are lowly,

and those who mourn are lifted to safety.

He frustrates the devices of the crafty,

so that their hands achieve no success.

He catches the wise in their own craftiness,

and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.

They meet with darkness in the daytime

and grope at noonday as in the night.

But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth

and from the hand of the mighty.

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.

Job 5:8-16