Common Frustration

The other morning, when I took my trash to the dumpster, I saw an elderly gentleman dumpster diving. I don’t believe he is homeless, as he looked clean and tidy and had a truck. But I still felt bad for him.

I live in a part of town where this type of thing is common place. Nearly every trip to Walmart includes a couple panhandlers. Whenever I go online, I’m bombarded with a long list of tragedies that are occurring all over the world.

So many people need help. So much change is needed. It makes me feel so small and powerless and frustrated!

But I serve a mighty God. One Who heals the sick and sets the lonely in families. One Who is beyond able to bless all those who call upon His name. One Who has equipped me for every good work.

It can be easy to fall into the mindset that one person cannot make a difference, but there really is One who can. God is good, and He is faithful, and He will even let us help. If we let Him, He will use us as His instruments to bless others. He will make a difference and He will use us to do so.

We only have to be willing and He will cause the opportunities to flood in.

One of my favorite avenues for change is the charity Compassion International. Here is a beautiful video about the difference any one of us can make in the life of a child.

Help doesn’t have to come in monetary forms either. Time can be just as beautiful a donation. Many of us don’t have to look any further than our church nursery for volunteering opportunities.

Or maybe God wants to use some of us in our own homes, and break our hearts for the hurts of those nearest to us.

Whatever the case may be, God is in control and His plan is perfect. Waiting patiently for His perfect will in this world, and committing to serve as He advances His kingdom, shows that we have faith in His promises to bring all things together for the good of those who love Him and call upon His name.

That kind of faith in action is the best weapon I know of to combat the frustration.