Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. (John 11:38)
Expanded Passage: John 11:38-44
When I first arrived in Zimbabwe, my heart was deeply moved by the beggars I saw walking the city sidewalks, or seated next to buildings, with arms outstretched and hands lifted up, begging for money. During those early years, I often felt my throat tightening with emotion when I saw how poorly some of the beggar children were dressed. However, after being in this African country for a few years, I became immune to the sights of poverty that continued to surround me. Part of the reason I had become this way was due to feeling so overwhelmed with the gravity of the needs of so many poor Zimbabweans. What could I do when the needs were so great? Subconsciously, I retreated into apathy.
When Pastor Benjamin saw what was happening to me, he took me aside and stated, “Umfundisi Jim, don’t allow feelings of being overwhelmed stop you from being moved by the need and plight of others. You may not be able to help everyone, but you should be able to help some. Effective ministry occurs when one is emotionally moved.”
Not only was Jesus’ heart moved, but he did something about the needs he saw around him. When we allow him to open our hearts to the hurting people around us, he will show us how he wants us to respond to their needs.
Allow God to keep your heart soft toward the needs of your neighbor.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is an ordained elder in The Wesleyan Church, serving in prayer ministries, as well as Global Partners. He previously served as a pastor, missionary, and campus intercessor for Indiana Wesleyan University. He and his wife, Roxene, have two sons and two granddaughters.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
