Causes - by Bec Bonython
There are many causes in the world. Many things worth doing, and causes that we can put our money, time, talents and effort towards. These causes may benefit a disadvantaged group, they may help put food on a family’s table. They may help an animal or child. These are all good causes and it is fantastic to be involved in these causes as they help us think outward and allows us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
God has stirred (maybe pounded!!) my heart recently to think on, devote and invest towards the things that He sees as important. Towards the things that breaks His heart. God gave me a friendly nudge to point me in the direction of His heart. He recalled to my thoughts a couple of lines in a Christian song which go like this:
Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for your kingdom’s cause.
I thought about this statement for quite a while because I wasn’t sure if I was actually ready to ask God this question…
If we ask this question, we have to honestly evaluate whether we truly want our heart to be broken. That would mean we are going to experience a lot of intense, vulnerable realities. We will glimpse the depth of our sin and how it breaks God's heart. We will see situations where hope seems nonexistent and God seems far. We will endure hardships, we will grieve with others and their hardships, and we will weep with the brokenness of creation.
We will also experience broken circumstances and hurting people. Our eyes will be opened to those who are lost. We'll encounter people who need God more than we could imagine, but who are so far from him. Our hearts will break for those who refuse to accept the gift of grace and freedom that Christ offers.
If we ask this question then it will mean we will have to wait…. and listen for His answer. It will mean we have to be willing and available to hear the response given.
If we choose to ask this question, the response we receive will require a decision on our part – to trust and obey. We will need to be prepared to change. To refocus. To put aside our own agendas, goals, dreams and desires and be willing to accept Gods will for our lives. We must give everything we are and have, and commit our entire lives to the cause of bringing about God’s Kingdom here on earth.
So what does the Father’s heart break for? As we individually ask the Lord this question, the answer is going to be different for each and every one of us.
As you read this devotion, I ask you to consider today – what is your heart breaking for? Is it the same as what the Father’s heart breaks for? Maybe you need to consider asking this question of the Father? Maybe you need to take time to listen to His response? Maybe you have heard, but now you need to trust and do.
Can I strongly encourage you to go on, ask Him. Get a glimpse of His heart! In doing so, you will be amazed at what God does when we put His cause above ours. He will put you in places that bring Him the most glory …and that is the glorious will for God in our lives.