It’s almost the end of 2024 and we can hardly believe it. Some things have changed, some things haven’t, some things have improved and some things remain the same as they always have. Like the never-ending cruelty and bloodshed between countries.
Lebanon and Israel are still fighting.
Palestine is still falling apart.
People are still dying horrific deaths at the hands of mercenaries.
Children are still losing their parents and losing their homes.
When the trending slogan “all eyes on Rafah” went viral on social media, it was a huge step up in the world of social media, to see users actually post something that brings awareness to suffering and make a change, rather than posting about stuff that simply doesn’t matter. Sadly it seems that once that trend died out, people went back to posting about celebrities, public figures and funny videos..and while there’s nothing really wrong with that (I myself am guilty of doing the very same thing) we need to remember that while we sit in the comfort in our homes, with WiFi, a bed to sleep in, clean clothes and roofs over our head, there are people out there who have lost limbs and loved ones.
It seems like the media is always saturated with news about the suffering of the world that it can be easy to be desensitized if we’re not careful. We see news about the Israel-Hamas war and ignore advertising prompts to donate to Palestine, we see graphic photos of a child suffering and we scroll up quickly so we don’t get affected, we turn a blind eye and yet we’re very quick to watch, rewatch and like videos about funny cats and TikTok dances. Now I’m not saying this out of a place of judgment, I write this as someone who’s part of the problem, someone who’s been desensitized one too many times, someone who, admittedly, hasn’t had as much empathy for those who suffer as much as she could.
Why is it so easy for us to have empathy for someone suffering right before our eyes but not so easy to have empathy for people we cannot see? Why are we so quick to donate to church mission trips and even tithe in church (nothing wrong with these things btw, don’t hear what I am not saying) but not so quick to give to the poor and afflicted? Let’s check our hearts and align ourselves with these causes, too. I encourage you today to be generous supporters of victims of the war.
Where is God in all this war and suffering?
I have asked myself this question many, many times, and if you’re out here wondering the same thing I do not blame you. It’s natural to wonder where God is and to question him. Surely a loving God would intervene in this situation right?
All I can say is that Jesus himself took on suffering, whipping, physical and emotional pain when he walked on this earth and so he understands suffering. But people are evil and out of their free will, they have chosen to use their power to hurt people and that’s not something we can blame God for. Personally, I take comfort in the fact that God will extend his sovereign judgement over those who are killing, torturing and raping others. Their cruelty will be punished one day, those tears will not go unheard and justice will be delivered. I take comfort in knowing that God is still a good God even when we don’t understand why he’s allowing the wickedness of others.
So I urge you, the suffering we see on social media and news cannot compare to the reality and brutality of what Palestinians, Lebanese and many others are really facing. If you’re reading this.. pray for the war, pray for it to end. Start weekly prayer meetings until the war ceases. Donate what you have. Whether it’s money that you can give or clothes you can donate, give what you can and use whatever you have within your means to help the afflicted. Don’t ever forget your blessings while the rest of the Middle East is suffering.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” ~ Psalms 34:8 NIV
How you can help:
The situation in Gaza is leading to a risk of famine, donate to the children of Gaza. No amount is too small
Donate clothes to Gaza, if you’re unable to give financially
Many have lost their homes in Lebanon, donate today
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