Compassion: 30 Days of HeartworkSample

Transformation

HEART //

Have you ever thought about how God can use our stories of transformation to speak truth into the lives of others? That’s exactly what happened for Franklin.

Franklin was born into poverty in Ecuador. When Franklin was only 10 years old, one of his school teachers encouraged him to start using drugs. Franklin’s teacher told him the drugs would help him get good grades. This was a destructive lie. For the next eight years, Franklin struggled with the unforgiving grip of drug addiction. He lost relationships with family, left his community, watched friends die because of drug use, and eventually overdosed. Because of his near-death experience, Franklin returned home angry and broken.

However, upon returning home, Franklin’s brokenness was redeemed. He met Jesus at a youth gathering at a local church. Franklin was overtaken by the Holy Spirit, and a local pastor began speaking truth into Franklin’s life, reminding him that he was forgiven and accepted. Through these words, Franklin changed the trajectory of his life. Now, Franklin is a pastor. He has dedicated much of his ministry to caring for young people who struggle with drugs. Many of those children are Compassion International kids. He counsels them, visits their homes, hosts meetings and plays soccer with them.

Franklin experienced the transforming love and redemption of God as a young man, and now he shares that freedom with others. He knows the power of God’s love to heal and provide. Think about your own life. What transformation do you think God wants to do in your life? What transformation has He already done? What is He doing currently? You have the privilege of sharing your story of transformation with others, just as Franklin does with the kids in his community. 

WORK //

Franklin’s story reminds us that God wants to use us and our stories to transform the lives of people around us. A local pastor reached out to Franklin and spoke truth into his life. Now Franklin can speak truth into the lives of others in his community. Today think of ways you can reach out with kindness and be a witness with your life, story and transformation. Greet your family, teachers, friends and even strangers with intentional warmth, even if it feels different, even if they don’t deserve it. Share your story. Help God transform the lives of others in your life. 

Who are the people in your life who are most difficult for you to love? Maybe because you have been hurt by them, don’t trust them, or you feel intimidated by them. Write their names down and pray that God will help you love them the way He does!