For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
“God please give me strength, encouragement, and empathy to pour out to those needing it. Let Your work through me not be draining for me, because it is You at work, and I am the instrument of Your care not the source of it.”
Peter Goehring in his prayer entitled “The Instrument of Your Care” shared with me on 3 July 2023.
Peter has been a friend for nearly 20 years. We’ve supported each other with encouragement, gifts, and prayers. Today’s prayer sent to me touched me so deeply I wanted the world to pray it to guide their generous and sacrificial service.
Jenni and I have traveled safely from Ukraine to Moldova. Not an easy task leaving a country at wartime. We had a 14 hour, all night bus ride which included a four-hour border crossing from 12 midnight to 4am.
We made it safely to Chişinău, Moldova, where GTP partner, Mission Eurasia still serves 1,500 refugees per month, some from Ukraine and others from Russia. It was 5,500 per month last year. Previously the people would just pass through, now many are staying.
We also visited the children’s day camp today, watching 60 children sing, play, and learn about Jesus. Most have been separated from their fathers. Though the war has changed their lives, God is doing amazing things in their lives. There are so many stories.
Pause to say a prayer for all those serving refugees. The volunteers in the photo above are the war heroes. Pray for strength, encouragement, and empathy. Pray for them to serve with passion and enthusiasm knowing they are instruments of care and not the source of it.
It was a privilege for us to have dinner with them and share practices to nurture their own faith and to care for those they serve. What about you? How will you serve as an instrument of God’s blessing and not the source?
Related to your generosity, ask God to give you strength, encouragement, and empathy as you move toward and not away from those in need or in crisis. You can serve them richly not because you are the source but because you are God’s instrument.