Understanding God's Heart For The PoorSample

Compassion Fatigue

Everyone loves a picnic, especially when the sun is shining. But the picnic described in Mark 6 was different from most. The disciples had spent the day ministering to hundreds of people. Tired and hungry, they were eager to get away from the crowds and go somewhere quiet. You could say they had compassion fatigue! 

Are there times when, upon hearing yet another piece of negative news—famine, refugees, floods, disasters—that you just want to walk away? Do you ever feel like you have no energy left?

When the disciples asked Jesus to send the people away, he replied, “You give them something to eat.” He challenged them not to walk away but to get involved. 

The disciples feared it would cost more money than they had. But Jesus performed a miracle; using the little they had—two fish and five loaves—he fed the five throusand.

Reflection

In some of the poorest communities in the world miracles are happening. People are using what they already have to create an abundance, where before there was only hunger. You can read one such story here.

What kind of needs are there in your own community? And what kind of resources are there already that could bring about a miracle?

Prayer

Father, with you all things are possible! I pray for the needs in my community and ask that you would help the local church act as a catalyst in bringing about miracles. Amen.