Feeling Small in a World of Disasters
Disasters have a tendency to humble us. We realize how small we are in comparison to the storm, and how little we can do in comparison to the need. But I assure you, God is big enough.Excerpts from Surviving Service: Effective Response to God’s Call for Justice (pages 44, 45, 109) --We know that God goes with us and that He is working through His people. Yet when I see people in need, I sometimes feel alone; I forget I am not the only person who can help. The question of “Am I doing enough?” should ultimately be redirected toward the Church as a whole, with you as an active part. As the old adage goes, “I can’t do everything, but everyone can do something!” We need to remember that we are a part of the body of Christ:
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:4-8)
We need to get other people involved! We can only do so much on our own. Get to know other people in your church community who have a passion for [helping]. You may be able to collaborate on projects like fundraisers, donation gathering, [trips,] events, and more.So, can you give $5 today? Great! That combined with the same donation from ten other people makes $50. You can adjust your budget to give more in the future. Can you use your talent to serve someone today? Awesome! Leave the rest to other people with different gifts. Can you advocate for policies that improve situations in places where you can’t go? That helps too! When giving of your time and talents, focus on doing one or two things very well, rather than spreading yourself thin trying to do everything. God wants to work through all of us. Don’t take joy away from other people by trying to do it all.
On one of my disaster relief trips, I was the only one brave enough to paint on a tall ladder. So that’s what I did all week! Some of my peers were gifted in caring for babies, which has never been my gifting. So when the homeowner was there, some of them stopped painting to talk with the woman and play with her baby. She appreciated it so much! Was one of us caring for the woman more than the other? Absolutely not! Both gifts met her various needs.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)