A Helpful Formula

I believe that in these days of turmoil and challenge, that God is calling us to demonstrate the light of Christ. Romans 13 encourages us with these words:
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

We can evaluate the extent to which we have put on our spiritual armor.  Paul writes in Ephesians 6 about the components of that armor, which is designed to protect us against the power of the enemy, and we have the weapon of the sword of the Spirit - God's Word, which is, as we're told in Hebrews 4, living and active.  We have the capacity to live victorious lives that reflect the power of Christ working in and through us.

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We can prepare our hearts and minds to be people who respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. 1st Peter 1 exhorts us:
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
16 because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Another translation (ESV) of verse 13 includes these words: "preparing your minds for action."

Shawn Johnson, now known as Shawn Johnson East, is known for her gymnastic prowess - after all, she has won Olympic gold - she's also a champion from Dancing with the Stars.  She has spoken and written about her faith in Christ, and discussed that faith with me almost a decade ago at a conference in Orlando. 

In response to the shortage of baby formula, Shawn and her husband, Andrew have taken some bold steps in order to help.  According to the NewsNationNow website:

Shawn Johnson, a two-time Olympian, and her husband, a retired NFL player, recently ran out of formula for their baby. They posted about it on Instagram and the post went viral.

“A friend of a friend actually connected me to her friend in Pittsburgh who was able to find and ship it to me. So that got us thinking, is there a way we can connect all of you to other mamas who have formula,” Johnson explained in the video post.

They created the Baby Formula Exchange, a program that matches parents who have formula with parents who still need it.

The Des Moines Register noted:

The program is free and easy to use. Mothers in search of formula can post what type they need. Mothers with extra, unopened formula that hasn’t expired can post what they have and whether they are willing to ship it for free. The two sides can then connect.

Beth Van Duyne is a member of Congress from Texas and a professing Christian. She has launched an effort to help.  Her website says:

The website DFWBabyFormula.com launched this morning and will work to bring the North Texas Community together and crowdsource information, providing local information for stores with formula in stock.

Knowing many people want to help parents currently struggling to find food to feed their babies, at DFWBabyFormula.com individuals can fill out a quick form to add store information with formula in stock so parents in need have a resource for finding the formula they need.

Parents across the nation have felt the effects of constant supply chain disruptions and the recent safety recall by the nations largest formula manufacturer.

These are great examples of individuals who responded to a crisis by doing something.  We can wait for others to act, or we can, as God leads, depend on Him for creative and effective strategies and do what we can with what we have.  If mothers are having a difficult time obtaining vital nutrition, and there is a means to help, then you have to laud these efforts, which are apparently being established in communities all across America.

There are questions here about who we are going to rely on.  In an age when some of the trusted institutions of the past have lost some of their luster, we can place our trust in God and those who want to live out His principles by giving of themselves.  We have to guard against being duped into thinking that governmental institutions are always the answer - there are wonderful government agencies who do incredible charitable work, but you also have leaders who are more devoted to competitive politics than compassionate service.  

Sometimes we can hope and wait for something to happen.  That can be the prudent path.  But, perhaps, through the power of God, He is calling you to partner with Him and make something happen. We may be frustrated with a situation and not know where to turn, but we can seek His face and ask for His direction.  When He gives clear instruction, then we can depend on Him to manifest His will through us.