Compassion: 30 Days of HeartworkSample

Abba, Father

HEART //

Few things rob hope and worth more than growing up in poverty; and tragically, that’s how Michelle’s story began. Michelle was born into devastating poverty in the heart of Manila, Philippines. She shared a small home with 16 family members and had limited access to food. Michelle’s father, like many others in her community, was a drug abuser. One day, Michelle’s relatives accused her father of stealing valuables from their home to sell for drug money. After the accusation, Michelle’s father abandoned his family. Because Michelle’s family hated her father, they took their anger out on Michelle. They told her she was ugly and she would turn out just like her dad. Not only was Michelle left fatherless, but she felt worthless and alone. She thought her future was hopeless.

However, Michelle’s life took a turn toward hope when she was registered at a local Compassion International project. Through her tutors’ teaching, the Bible, and letters she received from her sponsor, Michelle learned that she is a beloved child of God. She began to understand that God is the Father to fatherless children like her. She discovered her self-worth in Christ. Her brokenness was mended and healed by her heavenly Father.

Today Michelle is the youngest sales and marketing head of the first Gospel Theater in Asia. She now also sponsors a boy through Compassion International. She prays that he will know the love of his heavenly Father, just as she discovered many years ago. Michelle forgave her father. He moved home, and Michelle’s family is reunited.  

Through time with Him, God heals our abandoned and orphaned spirits. When Galatians tells us that God redeemed and fully adopted us as His own children, that means all that is in God’s house is available to us. We are allowed to partake of His peace, His joy, His patience, His long-suffering, His healing and His provision. We are free to be His children. 

WORK //

As you reflect on Michelle’s story, pray that you will understand your place as God’s child and be free to come into His presence and accept His gifts. Continue your journey toward wholeness by asking God to show you any hurts, fears or pains that need healing.

Remember to steer clear of media and social media this week! If you’re really feeling the pain of it, be encouraged. Most people in the developed world are addicted to media on some level. But just because something is common, that doesn’t make it right! It’s fun and it’s even good in many ways, but we need to be able to disconnect and hear more from God than from people sometimes. Hang in there!!! 

For your journaling or a good conversation with a friend: What is one pain from your past that needs healing? What is one gift of God that you would like to receive? (Joy, peace, patience, self-control ... see Galatians 5:22-23 for a great list!)