Christian

Soften My Heart, Lord

Cindy Dawson

Someone close to me recently told me she was selling everything she owns and moving to a 3rd World country to help orphaned and abandoned children. I was shocked and speechless. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. (Your moving where?)

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.” Proverbs 3:27 NLT

She explained that God had called her and had confirmed it over and over. What could I say? I didn’t want to encourage her. What if it wasn’t God? But I didn’t want to discourage her either. What if it was? I could only listen quietly.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV

Does God really call us to sell all and follow Him? That’s okay for “missionaries”, but when it’s someone you love, well, that’s different. I didn’t realize how different until it confronted me head-on. I doubt you will be able to understand the impact of my experience unless you experience it for yourself.

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
    The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble.” Psalm 41:1 NLT

My faith is being tested to the core. As long as I focus on God’s Word, I’m not in a panic. But to stay strong, I have had to continually stay focused on the Lord and stay in the Word. By immersing myself in the Word over the last few weeks, I have gone from “numb and shock” to peace. It has been an amazing process.

“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
    The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble.” Psalm 41:1 NLT

How easily we can be swept up in our personal lives and never give thought to the plight of so many living in poverty and despair. For the most part, many American Christians live in a bubble. They don’t even observe the poor in their own town or city that may be only a few miles away.

“But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won’t help him—how can God’s love be within him?” 1 John 3:17 TLB

You won’t see them at Dillards or Chicos. You won’t see them in a nice restaurant or your favorite nail salon. You won’t even see them in your neighborhood. They may be hidden away, but they aren’t far away.

“Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.” Proverbs 28:27

Dear Heavenly Father, Soften our hearts. Create in us compassion and kindness. Forgive us for being selfish. Show us your will and lead us. Strengthen our faith in you. Guide and direct our way every single day. For you are our God, the Holy One, worthy to be praised. Amen

With Love, 

Cindy

This Is My Journey Unscripted.

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16 thoughts on “Soften My Heart, Lord”

  2. Amazing how spending time with God has brought you peace about this person’s decision. Obviously you care and worry for them but if that is what God calls them to do then the best thing to do is be obedient. Difficult isn’t it when it is someone really close- I would find it difficult to accept it too.

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  4. I have often wondered how much I am or have wasted the goodness God has given me to share-I know there is a huge mission field right here in America… HUGE!

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  5. I think it’s harder to accept God’s will for someone we dearly love than it is for ourselves – especially if it’s one of our children. Bless you, Cindy, as you walk with God in obedience and your faith is stretched during this time. And thank you for sharing what you’re learning with us!

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  6. Amen. When God gives the directive, we must not close our eyes. I see so much need in our world today that it can get overwhelming! But, my heart is shored up by the fact that if we each do what He gives to us, His good can come forth! Thanks for sharing this honesty and wisdom with us. Blessings to this person and to you as you continue to walk in faith.

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  7. If God is calling us to sell everything and follow Him … wherever, we should. If not, there are other ways we can help right here. For about $3/day we can sponsor a child through Compassion International. That covers food, school, school uniform, medical care, and most importantly, spiritual guidance for a child in poverty. Oh yes, and translation of your correspondence. 🙂
    And as you say, you don’t have to go far to find others in need. If we just stay sensitive to the Still, Small Voice.

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  8. Cindy, I understand your spiritual conundrum. Years ago I left a big city job to work for a Christian relief and development organization overseas in a conflict zone. Some of my friends didn’t understand, but providentially my parents supported me 100+++%! It was definitely hard at times, but I, like your friend, had a blazing spiritual discernment signpost that affirmed the big step of faith. That step led to many other steps. I would not trade any of those years traipsing around the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. God provides, wherever we are! One thing for sure, your friend needs your prayers! Blessings & blogging hugs! 🙂

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