Opportunity

Today as I look at my children doing their schoolwork I ponder the thought of what their lives would be like without the love of an amazing heavenly Father, earthly parents who love them, supportive family and friends, access to education, food, shelter, transportation. And the list goes on.


Have you ever stopped to look at how blessed we are as a nation?  Even our poorest are wealthier than those in many other countries - and I don't mean financially (although that is also very true).  What I mean is wealthy in opportunity. 


The Mien in SE Asia (as well as many, many tribal people/groups) do not have the same opportunities that we have.  They do not always have the opportunity to choose where they live, whether or not they will have access to education, whether or not they will eat or go hungry, what kind of job -if any they will have or even if they will hear the gospel, read a Bible....and the list goes on.

The future of some of our own children was bleak.  Many of our kids grew up in orphanages destined to be thrown away into society and forgotten.  Our children are no more or less special than every other person on earth - we are all God's children, created to love God and share their love with others.  But, opportunity changed their lives. The opportunity to have a family, and education and all the other things already mentioned.


God loves all people.  He created all of us in His image.  We all have a God shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fill.  According to the Bible God has a plan for us, a plan to prosper us, not to harm us, a plan for a hope and a future.  But what about those people who don't have hope or opportunity?  Someone needs to tell them, give them a chance.  Someone needs to reach them to tell them there is hope.


Did you know that it is very likely that children in SE Asia will grow up not having the opportunity to go to school, to be loved and to be told they are precious?  MANY will end up being trafficked in order to survive and help take care of their families.  Why should they have to do that?  Why can't they have an opportunity to choose a better life, one of hope and a future? 


 They can - but it takes all of us to make a difference.  Please don't turn your head away from the horrible situation everyone knows exists.  If you are a Christian you have an obligation to pray, to go, to help, to make a difference. Why do you think God has blessed our nation - a nation founded on biblical principle?  I think it is so we can go and do what he has called us to do -make disciples of all nations -care for the widow, the orphan, and the poor - love our neighbor.


What a blessing that we all have the opportunity to make a difference in lives, even if it's only one life at a time.  Take the time today to pray and ask God what He wants to do with the opportunities that He has given you.  Is there someone in your life that needs encouragement?  Someone who needs to hear there is a God that loves them?  Is there somewhere you could serve in your community, church, overseas?  Have you ever felt prompted to adopt, foster parent, be a big brother or big sister -do it!  Your life will be abundantly blessed if you listen to what God is showing you to do.  Slow down, listen and make a difference - together we can make this world a better place for everyone, not just ourselves:)