Scoop the rice, fill the container, scoop the rice, fill the container….. This was the process that we were going through over and over again while recently working at a soup kitchen in Cambodia. The organization that we were working with was called C.H.O.I.C.E and their purpose was to feed homeless and hungry men, women, children and those with disabilities. I loved the opportunity to serve and help out in any way possible but I was in a tough spot. There were so MANY people in need. We would serve the food, but there was never enough. We’d get to the end of the day and hand out the last meal and still there would be so many who were hungry…..I was feeling OVERWHELMED!
As I was working one day, however, I feel like God spoke to me about how although physical needs and hungers are important, the hungers and yearnings of the soul are much more important. If we feed peoples physical hunger pains, they will eventually grow hungry again. Often I’m finding that what most (if not ALL) people hunger for is something deeper, something that a hot meal cannot satisfy….we hunger for HOPE, we hunger for PEACE, we hunger for HEALING, we hunger to be LOVED, VALUED, SIGNIFICANT. There is only one who can satisfy that hunger; he is the one who is the “Bread of Life” and he provides “Living water”….this person is Jesus Christ!
The experience of being overwhelmed was actually a good one because I also realized that if I was being self-reliant or depending upon my abilities I would fall flat on my face. It’s humbling when you realize that there are some needs that we can’t immediately meet for others. We may have the best intentions and try our hardest but , are some yearnings that are so big that only a LORD and SAVIOR can satisfy them. We cannot give that which we do not posess….and God is the true “giver of life.” Throughout my time on the race I’m sure that there will be times where I give everything I have, try my hardest, and do all that I can but still it won’t be enough. The amazing thing that I’m learning though is that God is ALWAYS enough, and his love never fails. It’s been an encouragement to me and hope it encourages you as well!
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
Isaiah 40:28-31
