Most of us have heard the story of the stranded starfish and one boy’s overwhelming task of trying to throw them back in the ocean before they died. Although confronted with an old man’s doubt about the futility of his work, the boy realized that he was indeed making a profound difference to the ones he was able to rescue. One by one, he was saving lives.
When we are faced with issues that seem too big to tackle and we feel paralyzed from engaging, it is important to know that our thoughts, prayers, choices and actions really do make a difference. We cannot remain silent or complacent in a world full of vulnerable, hurting and traumatized brothers and sisters.
These are the steps we follow when faced with “big issues” like trafficking, pornography or abuse.
Ask God to give you His heart for the issue.
Worship God as the God over the issue.
Pray and fast.
Study what God’s Word says about the issue.
Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in researching the issue.
Ask God what to personally start/stop/keep doing. Ask: How can I partner with you, God, in this issue?
In the case of fighting trafficking, ‘making a difference’ may look like:
Financially supporting organizations that fight trafficking,
taking a stand for purity and refusing to look at pornography,
rallying with others in prayer,
sharing with your friends and family to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of others,
opening your home to the hurting,
giving of your time to volunteer,
or working day in and out on the issue.
We believe everyone has a part to play. The question is, what is your part?
“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work?”