Rich or Poor?

We were bummed this week, yet not very surprised, when we read the latest reports listing Haiti as the "POOREST" country in the world. Nothing changed here, the world was not rocked nor any instant effect at the moment that this report hit the press. However, our deepest grief at this fact was not necessarily for the Haitians, but for Christians around the world, that are missing out. Many are impoverished in different ways.

“Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.” (Proverbs 21:13)

That was us, not long ago. Only through our own unexpected loss of financial stability were we SHOVED beyond ourselves to begin to develop the trust in Him that God challenges us to. Christ asked us to have the faith that moved us from the relative comfort of “gratefulness & generosity” to the seemingly reckless abandon of “sacrifice and surrender” on His behalf, for the sake of others…

Our faith is still a work in process, even now

                                …even while living in a place like Haiti.

 ”Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,

‘God blesses you who are poor,
    for the Kingdom of God is yours.
God blesses you who are hungry now,
    for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
    for in due time you will laugh.’”(Luke 6:20-21)

We're not here to preach at you, we're just here to serve. However, as brothers and sisters that see daily the front line of what Christian sacrifice CAN do in and among the lives of the poorest, we cannot be silent any longer. In fact we would really like to SHOUT, some days –

“WAKE UP, GET OFF YOUR BACKSIDES, dear brothers & sisters!"

"SHINE! BE the example to a lost and fallen world."

"Grab the opportunity now!!"

"Step out in faith, live with risk, partake in the faith of the POOR."

“When Jesus heard his answer, he said, ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’

But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.” (Luke 18:22-23)

Our greatest challenge yet, is before us still. The faith we have is miniscule to that of our Haitian brothers & sisters in Christ. They grow & LIVE & walk in their faith far better than we do on most occasions. Their faith is like a glimpse of hidden treasure here on earth! The joy of seeing their prayers answered by the obedience of others is purely SUBLIME! We are constantly blown away by the experiences of life here and the privilege of watching God’s work unfold is the ever humbling and refining power on the core of our hearts.

“Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5) 

“… But you dishonor the poor!” (James 2:6)

Lord we pray that this is not the case for us or any of your Body. Make us each your instruments, and do not delay in prompting your work and provision in our lives as well as in those of the “poor”.

They see "poor"...we see JOY that only comes through faith!!