hope for the hopeless

Sunday was our second time bringing a group of people down to serve some of the homeless community under the Burnside Bridge. We brought hot chili, rolls, lots of warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, fruit, Clif bars, water bottles, hot cocoa, hand warmers and a football game to watch on t.v. with chairs to lounge in. It was another awesome experience! The Lord came with us and let loose His amazing covering of Peace and Joy for a few hours to those who wanted it.
It always takes me a few days to process the things He shows me. I hold it in my heart until it hurts too bad and Jesus then asks me to release it to His heart so that He can work.
I met a man who said something to me that hit my heart like a brick. I was standing near the oranges and apples when a guy comes up that I hadn't seen before. I looked at him and cheerfully welcomed him. I then asked him how he was doing. He answered with the saddest eyes, "Well, I woke up today." Completely serious and completely hopeless. I was without words at that moment. I just looked at him, as a deer does, staring at the bright, scary headlights that might soon plow it over if it doesn't turn away quickly and get the hell out of there.
The darkness that I saw in this man's eyes was piercing. I wanted to run away from it because I knew I couldn't do anything about it. All of my intellect, resources, hot chili, and niceness could not even come close to stomping on the power of darkness that had invaded his soul. He had lost all hope.
Once again, I am reminded Who lives in my heart. He is waiting for me to set Him free so that He can shine His LIGHT on the darkness. He is waiting for His Church to set Him free.
So, where is Jesus? Why do we see sadness, poverty, hopelessness, abuse, and starving children everywhere? He is in the hearts of His believers. But the Church has hid the Light under the bushel and kept it to itself.
Yep, the Truth hurts sometimes, but we need to hear it.
Some 2000 or so years ago when God sent His Son to die for our sins and leave His Spirit to those who believe, He did it so that we would join Him in setting the captives free and enjoy an amazing relationship with Him.
If only we knew the Power we had living inside of us.
When I see folks who have lost hope, the enemy tries to say to me, "You can't do anything to help this person. You might as well go on to the next person."
Yes, he is right. I cannot do anything. But if we hold the Truth in our hearts, we can deflect that with, "Jesus, help them. Use me as your hands and feet to give them hope for Life."
Lord, Jesus, stir up a passion in your Body. Give us courage to step out of the boat so that our faith in You will become strong. Keep us focused so that we might give every person that you set before us a concentrated dose of your Love. You are waiting and ready. Come, Jesus, come.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Hide it under a bushel? No!
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.