This Crazy World Needs... You!

There's a lot of craziness in the world today. Have you noticed? How could you miss it, right? Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, war... lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

It might seem like it's time to panic. But think about it: how many times in the Bible did scary, unimaginable things happen? Plagues, famines, people being swallowed by GIANT FISH?! Okay, that was just that one dude. Still, God has been known to use unnerving situations to benefit Him and His Kingdom. Maybe that's because scary moments get our attention.

And what about this: how many stories have you seen on TV about people going out of their way to help victims of these disasters? Maybe you've even donated money, food or needed items to the cause. Sometimes it's only when a person is really in need that others stop to reach out in love and compassion. I'd say that God's Kingdom is surely honored every time that happens!

Compassion by itself isn't enough. Jesus had compassion, but He always acted on it. He fed a hungry crowd. He forgave people who were caught up in making the same mistakes over and over. And he healed the blind, even when others didn't feel they deserved to be healed.

Check this out:

Matthew 20:29-34 (NIV)
Two Blind Men Receive Sight

29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

Pray this prayer if you like: "Father, thank you for showing us who You are in the most amazing ways. Through hurt, through loss, through heartache, and even in death... You reveal Yourself to be loving and compassionate every, single time. I want to be more like You! And I pray that you will help me to reach out with Christ's love to someone who needs it today. Amen."