One great truth that we can take from this verse is that when we do something in our own strength, no matter what it may be, we labor in vain. We labor for the temporal.
The opposite is true that when we allow the Lord to build that house (or build _____), we can know that it will have lasting, eternal value. Isn’t that what we all want as we pursue the ‘pure religion’ of orphan care?
Who is watching over your city?
If you are unsure of the answer, it might be because you have not yet realized that the burden falls squarely on your shoulders.
That’s right. You should be watching and praying over your city.
There was a time when the Church was leading the way in caring for the most vulnerable. Over time, government organizations and nonprofits began to fill in the gap that was left by the lack of participation from the Church.
But the tide is turning. The Church is awakening. Now, in order to help the Church return to the forefront of the orphan crisis, there must be someone willing to stand in the gap in each community and pray. The Bible tells us clearly that God hears the prayers of the righteous:
It just takes one.
It really only takes ONE person to start an orphan care revival in a community. Maybe you are that person.
Seeds planted by an “awakened advocate” will be watered and will take root. It just takes a little time, patience and prayer.
Plant the seed. Watch it grow.
Let’s say you begin to share your orphan care passion with family and friends from church. Over time, others begin to see and understand the needs in your community as well. They begin to realize, because of the gospel, that they are as responsible as anyone else to care for the most vulnerable.
Over time, churches in the community begin to see the need for a ministry to address the needs of children in foster care. Again, let’s say that one church steps out in faith and begins to purposefully look around the community to see what is already being done to meet the needs. This church begins to pray about their role in the orphan crisis in their own community and then begins to map out a strategy to help meet the needs.
This church comes alive as it begins to see the impact that their ministry is making in the lives of these children. Other churches in the community begin to look on with great curiosity and admiration. Those churches soon begin to ask what they can do to make a difference.
The church that first stepped out by faith falls into the role of mentor and starts to share everything they know with the other interested churches in the community, successes and failures alike. The burden becomes a little lighter as churches begin to share the load.
And, slowly….this community begins to realize that God’s answer to the orphan crisis, the Church, is coming alive, is watching and is praying over the city. They’ve taken responsibility for their city.
A Kingdom ministry to care for orphans is multiplying in your community.
And your spark made the difference.
Most communities are only one courageous decision away from this reality.
Will you be the spark in your community?
Steve Gillis
Founder | Exec. Director
