All of us are uniquely gifted. We all have areas of great passion and abilities. But sometimes we get bogged down in the practicality of how to help those in need. The needs can feel overwhelming and as if our contribution won’t make a difference. The Bible says we are to help widows and orphans, even if this isn’t our passion.
James 1:27 (NIRV) says “Here are the kinds of beliefs that God our Father accepts as pure and without fault. When widows and children who have no parents are in trouble, take care of them. And keep yourselves from being polluted by the world.”
So how do we help? How can we fit this into our lives?
1. Give. This seems like the most obvious. Let’s face it - money can make huge changes. Here again we can feel overwhelmed by the need. Often our resources are limited, and we are not able to give much more than the widow's mite. When we look at the Bible we see that God rewarded the widow's mite and the little boys small lunch. I have to believe that the widow's mite was multiplied, just like the lunch, to accomplish more than the mere amount ever could have.
* Look for ways to save money so you can give. The cost of an espresso can feed a child for a month.
* Give the little you have to give and God will do the multiplying, for His purposes.
2. Presence. Offering yourself can be one of the most appreciated gifts. When Jesus wanted to impact someone's life, He gave of Himself. He went where they were. He touched their bodies. He preformed miracles to meet physical needs. He gave of Himself to meet their needs. The ESV of James 1:27 says to “visit orphans and widows in their affliction".
* Look for ways to give yourself. Visit them in their homes and invite them into your own.
* Send a note of encouragement.
* Pick up the phone and just chat.
3. Pray. Maybe this should have been the first idea, it’s that important. Storm the gates of heaven for those who have no one to defend them. Psalm 68:5 says “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” Here we see God as kind and tender and at the same time powerful enough to defend and protect.
* Choose one orphan or widow to pray for, daily.
* Pray through the 40 days of prayer for orphans using this guide (it’s midway down the page).
* Ask God to change your heart, to sensitize it to the needs of orphans and widows.
4. Welcome. Why not just dive in head first and welcome a widow or orphan into your family? Is there room at your table for one more? This is a huge undertaking. It will be scary, but it will lead you straight to the heart of God. The Bible says that “God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” (Psalm 68:6) WOW! They are chosen and placed in families by God! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? If God is calling you to this, MOVE FORWARD. You don’t want to live in a “sun-scorched land”.
"Better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." (Psalm 84:10)
So, what is holding you back?
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