Dear God – Do you want to use me in this situation?

First-world problems.

As we live our lives each day, it is human nature to be inward focused … to worry about ourselves, our families and our daily “problems”. Many of these problems have recently been hash tagged #firstworldproblems. I’m sure you’ve experienced them. Bad hair day. Naughty kids. Cold dish at a restaurant. Weather not cooperating with your weekend plans. You name it.

But let’s get real.

These problems are minor compared to some of the problems that exist in today’s world. And not just in third world countries, but also in our own backyard. Some first world problems are pretty major problems, like sex trafficking or child hunger.

Maybe you saw an article float by your Facebook feed. Or saw a quick blurb on the news. But have you allowed yourself to actually be aware of the problems that exist? Have you taken the time to fully absorb that young girls and boys are being lured and forced into the sex trafficking industry? That innocent people are fleeing their countries unwillingly to protect themselves from extreme violence and danger? Or that every 10 seconds, a child dies from hunger-related diseases? This is the reality of the world.

What should I do?

Does this mean we should all drop everything that we’re doing and dedicate our life to combatting these issues? No. But I do believe that if God places a calling on your heart to help, that we need to be obedient to his call. To discern what it is that we can do to help.

Maybe you are being called to be a missionary and figure out how to help orphans. Or to volunteer with a local nonprofit who is working on ways to stop human trafficking. Or maybe you’re simply being called to add one of these problems to your daily prayers. Or even to just keep these in mind when you’re worrying about silly daily problems. Or just sympathize.

Whatever it is, let’s be aware. Let’s not just let these issues float by our news screen like it’s just media entertainment. Let’s remember that there are real people created by God on the other end experiencing the hurt and suffering.

Ask God.

And finally, let’s ask God … “Do you want to use me to serve in this situation?” Listen to his answer and follow His lead.

Galatians 5:13 says: You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

About RaiseUp: RaiseUp is an online platform that allows you to register for free at www.RaiseUp.org to support causes and nonprofit organizations. Causes include human trafficking prevention, orphans & children, essential needs and refugees & disaster relief.  Once registered, you can shop RaiseUp’s online mall of over 1000+ popular online stores. A portion of your purchase goes to the nonprofit you have chosen to help support its mission of helping to combat the problems the world faces as well as sharing the hope found in Jesus Christ with those who are suffering.