Praying For Vulnerable Children - Human Traffickingনমুনা

When five things are present, children are better protected from people trying to hurt them. Here’s the fifth key:

Prayer From Child Advocates Around the World     

Human trafficking is the gateway to modern-day slavery. Currently, more than 30 million people live in slavery — more than any other point in history. It is today’s disgrace. The gut-wrenching truth is this: 1.2 million children a year are trafficked into some form of forced labor (UNICEF). Worldwide, 2 million children are trapped in the commercial sex trade. At the very core, it’s an insult to God Almighty, in whose image we are made. Beyond that, it’s an affront to humanity’s most basic Golden Rule — treat others the same way you want them to treat you (Luke 6:31).

God is aware of child trafficking and He cares about the suffering of His children. He has not turned a blind eye. Instead, He stirs compassion in our hearts when we hear stories like the ones we’ve heard in these devotions.

As a result, our compassion moves us into action, which creates change. In these devotions, we’ve called you to pray for the children who are at risk of exploitation. Trust that God is at work and that He is using YOU to accomplish His will.

How can we react when we see the problem so big, so impossible?

• First of all, we should trust God’s promises and His character. God is a God of justice and mercy (Isaiah 30:18b), and He is not unaware. He sees the suffering of the trafficked across the earth, and He does care. The wicked will be punished, although we might not see their judgment come in this lifetime. We can be sure it will come.
• Secondly, we can realize that we have been commanded to “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another” (Zechariah 7:9). Let the pain of trafficking around the world seep into your heart. Don’t block it out; don’t allow yourself to become callous to the suffering around you. Be compassionate. Then channel your outrage at injustice – pray and act.
• Become an advocate for human trafficking awareness. Learn more about trafficking and modern-day slavery and what you can do to help. And join us in prayer for children who are vulnerable to human trafficking today.

Most of all, keep your eyes open and your hearts aware of the suffering of others — then show compassion to them.

Suggested prayer:

Heavenly Father, break my heart for these children who are suffering. Conform my heart to Your will. Help me trust You to use me in the way You desire. I want to bring You glory as I help the most vulnerable children. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Sponsor a child in an area where children are most vulnerable.