the lost all around me.

Too many times I catch myself thinking that the lost are only overseas. I catch myself thinking that the only need is in a third world country or a lost community around the world...but definitely not down the street. Recently, I have been slapped in the face with the reality that people are lost all around me.

This week I met a group of 9-11 year old girls. It has been a while since I have interacted with girls that are not in Awana or Sunday School and I was stunned at their behavior and the reality of their world. As I was talking to these girls, I realized that their topic of conversation and their world revolved around cussing, fighting, kissing, relationships and friends. When I was their age, my biggest concern was what game we would play at recess or what we would eat for lunch. I couldn't believe that already at their young age, they had been exposed to lifestyles that I had no idea existed until I was much older. It breaks my heart for them that they are not exposed to the hope and peace that comes from a life in Christ. I want them to clearly see and know that God is good. I desire for them to have no doubt that they are LOVED and that they are beautiful daughters of the King!

I pray that the Lord will use me to show that to them. I pray that I will be a vessel that shares His love so clearly to the lost right down the road from me. I have to change my outlook on the lost. I have to stop living for the day that I can share His love with the lost around the world. I have to open my eyes to the need around me at this moment. I have to open my heart to the lost and hurting right outside my door. I have to pray for their hearts to be changed so that they may know the love of the Father!

This world is a dark place. People everyday are dying in darkness and despair without having seen the light of the Father. We as followers of God are called to be that light. We are called to be the salt of the earth and  a light in this world. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."- Matthew 5:16 We have been sent from the Father to share His love and light with this dark world. While we share our lives with others, it will not be easy. We are promised trials and tribulations. But through this, we have hope and we do not lose heart  because we know that our Father has OVERCOME this world. In the end, He will win. He will defeat this darkness and He will get all the glory.

That is the day I am living for. I cannot wait for the day that EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue confess that GOD is KING! I cannot wait for the day that children do not have to live in poverty and hunger. That girls are not bombarded with the darkness of the world at such a young age. I cannot wait for the day that was revealed to John in Revelations 21. "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God HIMSELF will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.' And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making ALL things new.'" 

Until that day comes, I need to do my best to be faithful in the situation that the Lord has given me. There is an incredible amount of need here in Indy. There are people walking around me everyday that are lost searching for an answer. I have that answer. I know the Savior personally. And I need to share that. This is life or death and I have to start treating it that way. To God be the GLORY forever and ever!!