Day 9 - Seeking God's Heart for the Vulnerable

Name: Sarah Kern (Staff)

Scripture: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

Reflection: During this season of Lent, let’s seek Christ’s heart for the vulnerable, and respond with love-empowered justice. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” In biblical times, widows and orphans were the most defenseless members of society.  

So then, who are the most vulnerable in our society today? Due to weakening families around the world, many children are exposed to early abuse and left vulnerable to become victims of human trafficking.

In Cambodia and Thailand, increasing numbers of parents are selling their daughters to afford TV’s and other western luxuries. In Moldova, thousands of jobless parents have entrusted their children to orphanage staff, who, in turn, have sold the children to the highest paying pimp. In cities across our continent, runaway children from foster care homes are targeted and trafficked as one of the most profitable commodities in the world. Clearly, the family is under attack, and children are the greatest casualties.

So ask yourself, in this season of Lent, how can you commit to praying for broken families and child victims of human trafficking? What is the Lord asking you to do for the most defenseless in your community today?

Prayer for the day:

Jesus, as I become more aware of the pain of families and the vulnerability of their children, please move me to the specific response You desire of me. Please use Your church to intervene, to go and to surround hurting families with Your love and compassion. Father, make us a good home for the Fatherless, and show these little ones the safety of Your love and the capacity of Your healing. Amen.