I have seen… I have heard

When we read Exodus chapter one, we see that despite the difficult circumstances the Israelites found themselves in, God was present in their lives and continued to make them flourish and multiply. We also see Pharaoh’s decision to inflict suffering on God’s people was not based on reality, but unfounded fear and misconstrued insecurity. The Israelites did not stay silent in their misery. They cried to the Lord for help and He heard them and had compassion.

Reflect

Driscoll's “What Model” (1990) of reflection starts with the question 'What? and moves to 'So what?' and ends with 'What now'. Our involvement and interventions for positive change must start with a listening ear and critical look at what is in us and around us.

What?

• What is going on in your life? In your community - God, you have seen... God, you have heard my groaning and cry for….
• iWhat have you seen in your country, the communities around you, and people you minister to, of misery, pain, oppression, fear, guilt, and suffering?
• What are children and young people crying out about? What have they said about their circumstances?

So what?

• What are the implications of what you have seen and heard for people's spiritual, mental, emotional, social and physical health?
• What needs to change?

What now?

• What actions for redemptive change do you sense God starting to put in your heart for your personal life and for those around you?

Pray

• Give thanks: despite the difficult circumstances many people are in, he is present in our lives - protecting, providing, causing 'growth'.
• Pray: over the issues you have 'seen' and 'heard'. Ask God for his special intervention and solutions.
• Consider: the oppression and injustice in your community, country or worldwide. Ask God to show you what actions you can take, individually and corporately.
• Pray: God will give Scripture Union communities across the globe a keen sense of seeing and hearing to be his agents of change.