Try to Convince Me
While the majority of people want to sponsor a child, they often hold back on signing up.
Reference: His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” (Mark 8:4 TNIV)
Explore: World Vision did some research awhile ago determining how long it takes for people to sponsor a child. While the majority of people want to sponsor a child – they see the benefit and they have the money to help – they often hold back on signing up.
The research discovered that it takes an average of seven times for someone to hear about child sponsorship before they will actually start donating.
Seven times! That means there can be years between someone thinking about sponsorship and actually signing up. It seems to take a great deal of encouragement for us to act upon something, even when we know it is worthwhile and has a great impact.
Application: This doesn’t seem to be a new problem. Even the disciples took a great deal of encouragement to make any changes.
In Mark 6 Jesus only had 5 loaves and 2 fish, and yet, He feeds thousands of people. In Mark 7 He sends the disciples out empty handed, not even with a spare shirt, but God provides and they fulfil mighty acts in His name.
We then come to Mark 8, and Jesus is again surrounded by thousands of hungry people and what do the disciples say? ‘Send them away’!?! How many times does Jesus have to do the impossible before the disciples realise that He is extraordinary?
There are many people I know who believe in God. They believe He is real, He’s the Saviour, He’s love, and He makes a difference in peoples lives. And yet, they refuse to change their behaviour in any way to display a life that truly worships God. When they are in distress they may call out to God, but in their everyday lives they lack the faith that shows integrity, consistency and discipline. What more does God have to do to show us that He is real and He loves us more than anyone else we know?
Sometimes we’re like the disciples too. We question God’s commitment to us and wonder whether the sacrifices we make for Him are worthwhile. And yet, the more I read the Bible, and the more I live a life dedicated to God, the more I see how much I gain from dedicating my life to Him.
There is no other who can perform the miracles Jesus did. There is no other who can love us so unconditionally that He would lay down His life for us. May we stop our hesitation and commit our lives in complete dedication to our Lord and Saviour.
Prayer: Lord, no one compares to You. May we put aside our selfish ambition and follow You wholeheartedly. Amen.
What are you holding back on?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.