Beyond Compassion--Drawing on God's Resounces I’ve read some interesting reports recently on the effects of “compassion fatigue” on people. When news reports on any situation are continually disturbing, and show no signs of resolution, viewers are tuning them out. Newspaper reading is at an all time low, and some surmise that people have grown weary of hearing and seeing bad news. In one sense, it is perfectly understandable to shield ourselves and hearts against the pain that seems to be growing in our nation and in our world. But the question I come to is this, “How do we as Christians live our lives in such a world?” and “Must we close our eyes to suffering to keep our strength and sanity?” Jesus is our best model because He ministered to the desperate. They pressed in against Him so they could hear or touch Him. If anyone should have suffered from “compassion fatigue,” it was Jesus. People flocked to be near to this man “come from God.” But the compassion of Jesus was based on more than human emotion. It was based upon the condition of the hearts as well as the bodies of the sick, desperate, lonely and lost. As we serve, may we find our refreshment in the presence of God as we study His Word and meet Him in prayer. This is the same way Jesus found his resources renewed—spending time with His father, alone and in prayer. God can fill us with strength beyond measure if we will devote time to drawing upon His resources, instead of emptying our own. Why not make that a New Year’s resolution? It will help you go through all obstacles using His strength and Spirit. May God bless and strengthen you!
