World Gone Crazy?
Diane Elliot
The last two months have been crazy. We experienced a dramatic lunar eclipse seen across the United States. It was the first time in recorded history that we had three hurricanes in the Atlantic basin at the same time and all three made landfall. (Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria devastated the Caribbean, southern Texas and south Florida.) Ironically, at the same time, the northwest was experiencing raging fires, burning more than 2.5 million acres. Meanwhile, Mexico has been struggling to recover from a hurricane and two devastating earthquakes. And that was just in our little corner of the world.
Doomsayers are claiming it is the end of the world. Self-proclaimed religious “prophets” are saying it is the Biblical apocalypse and that Jesus is coming. As for myself, I’m sticking with Matthew 24:36: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Yes, we need to be ready for Christ’s return, and the Bible says there will be trials and tribulations before that happens. However, are today’s events related to the second coming? No one can say for sure!
In the meantime, we as Christ followers need to faithfully go about the work God has called us to do. Regardless of what is happening in our world, we are called to be lights in the darkness in any way that we can. In Texas and Florida, neighbors are helping each other and friends are coming in from various parts of the country to do their part as well. It is all a part of our heavenly calling to serve one another in times of need.
Being faithful also means continuing the work that you were called to do regardless of the happenings of the moment. For me, that means serving orphaned and vulnerable children around the world who still need our support. Their circumstances are still as critical today as they were yesterday. And although we are often consumed by the drama of the moment, we still need to be concerned about the long-term future of the children we serve.
At Hope’s Promise, we are celebrating some small victories. Last week seven new sponsorship positions were filled. Seven sponsors in seven days might just be a record for Hope’s Promise. Despite a world gone crazy, our new sponsors are giving a hope and a future to our children in Kenya, Vietnam, Nepal, and Zimbabwe. Domestically, in the last week, we placed a precious newborn with a loving adoptive family who has vowed to love this child for a lifetime. What an amazing life-changing week!
So tomorrow, or next week, or next time another disaster occurs, stop and pray for those involved. Do what you can to help. But it’s also just as important to keep doing what God has called you to do. As my grandfather once said to me, “You can’t change the tide or move a mountain (or stop a natural disaster), but you can be faithful to do the work that God has called you to do.” Today I’m going to do what I always do: live my life to the fullest, love those in my path, and work with my whole heart to serve the orphaned and vulnerable children God has called me to serve!
If you would like more information about how you can change the life of an orphaned or vulnerable child, please contact diane@hopespromise.com.
