Break Our Hearts for What Breaks Yours
The children of God are scattered throughout the nations. It is very difficult to comprehend the differences in environments in which His children reside. We live in a society where, if we need something we head to the nearest Wal-Mart or convenience store and get it. We live a pretty “comfortable” life. We couldn’t help but feel heartbroken as we walked around Ensayo. Ensayo is a poorer village, with stick and plastic constructed homes on the outskirts of Chinandega. This has been by far the poorest community that we have visited this week. As we arrived, we could see a crowd of people waiting for the “wealthy” gringos (Americans). But who is really “wealthy” in this situation?
In one of our quiet times this week we were reminded of these verses in James:
“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?”
James 2: 5-7
As we were reflecting about our experiences today, we discussed how in this case, we consider the people of Nicaragua wealthier than ourselves. As we looked into the eyes of those in Ensayo, there was a sense of contentment. Ron prayed over the families before we distributed a 10 pound bag of rice and a 10 pound bag of beans to each family in the village. As he was praying we heard the voices of the sons and daughters of our same Father; as the people of Ensayo were separately praying out loud. They are so rich in faith and God’s promise of inheriting the Kingdom. They may be seen as poor by worldly standards, but it was obvious they were rich in faith.
What are we missing? Why are we not this passionate? Shouldn’t we be so passionate in prayer and thank God for all that He has given us? But instead we walk in to our house complaining that it’s too hot and turn the air conditioning on. Why don’t we decide to “suffer” just a tiny bit and save some money on our electricity bill and then give the extra money to the poor?
In our group reflection time we were challenged with these questions and took some time to reevaluate our lives. God broke our hearts for what breaks His. We are all broken. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We all contribute to the body of Christ. We are one.
In Him,
Ali, Cassie, Libby, and Derek