And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. Matthew 9:35-39, KJV.

God's Call Can Be Difficult

A few years ago I attended a Home Missionaries Conference. I was surrounded by people who were driven by a call to reach their city, but who were also tired, weary, and broken. One man walked up to the pulpit to testify, but began to weep. He said, "I was asked to speak about all of the amazing things that is happening in our church, but to be honest I'm so discouraged. I just lost my job, my wife is pregnant, and even though I believe we are called to this city, I am questioning God's purpose."

His honest emotion evoked tears into my eyes and I saw the room of people moved with compassion. People from every aisle began to move from their seats and place cash and checks on the pulpit. I was crying, praying, and thanking God for this amazing miracle of provision. The call of compassion was answered and this man and his precious family received a love offering of over $6,000 within five minutes.

I feel the love of God right now thinking upon that moment and can sense His compassion for His beloved.

Jesus chooses to feel your brokenness, your pain, and your anxiety. He is moved by compassion over you.

Reflection

Today, take a few minutes to:

Write down the moments when you felt God's compassion for you.

Write down times when a person was moved by compassion on your behalf. How did that make you feel?

Now ask, "how can I be moved with compassion?" "How can I make a difference in someone's life?"

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that You would help me to have an empathic spirit so I can share people's struggles and brokenness. I desire to be moved by compassion, like You are, and meet people's needs.

This devotion was written by Angela Overton for More To Life Today.