A LETTER FROM TERRY

Friends,

Welcome to this incredible 10-day journey that I pray will warm your heart, encourage your desire to be a difference-maker, and strengthen your resolve to act on behalf of those whom the world has forgotten.

Over the next 10 days, I think you’ll find that God has very clearly told us what He thinks about those who are facing tough times, and what He wants us to do about it. It’s so easy for all of us to wonder what God would have us do about things like orphans, poverty, homelessness, broken homes, addiction, etc. The truth is, He has already told us. His words are as clear as the day is long, and our responsibility is to listen and obey.

My prayer for you as you embark on this journey and discover God’s heart for His children is this: that you would end the journey with a heart that is tender for the things that pain His heart. That you would see more clearly the opportunities that exist around you for you to serve. And that you would recognize the incredible worth and purpose that are the foundation of who you are.

We’ve provided some questions and prayer points to help you on your journey. I would really encourage you to write down your thoughts, prayers, and feelings. It’s always fascinating to look back and see the journey the Lord has taken me on, and it’s easier to remember when I mark points along the path with notes, thoughts, and prayers. Give yourself the gift of seeing His faithful hand in your life by pouring your heart out on these pages as you read.

As you read each day, think about how what you’re reading can be applied to your life, and ask God to show you more. More of Him, more of you... more of where you can walk together with Him to bring healing to the hurting world around you. There can be no question: God’s heart is for us, His children. He desires for us to love Him and one another well. When we ask Him for help, He is faithful to meet us where we are and guide us as we grow.

As God cultivates a heart of compassion in you, I pray you would unleash that compassion on the world around you. So many are desperate for a compassionate, loving touch. You can be the answer to someone’s prayers just by showing up and offering them a friend, a helping hand, a smile, a meal, or a prayer. It’s time for you to embark on your own God Adventure!

Blessings,

Almost every story that humans tell involves a daring rescue of some kind in the arch of its narrative—whether that’s the rescue of a damsel in distress, a national treasure, or a civilization from destruction. Our hearts keep repeating this story over and over. Deep down, we know we need rescuing from the aching brokenness within us and around us in this world we live in.

We need someone to save us. We need a Rescuer.

Unlike so many other religions, our Christian faith does not revolve around a regimen of rules we are required to follow in order to earn eternal life. Instead, it is centered around the heart of a Father, who aches with such compassion for His children that He cannot bear to leave them destitute in their own weakness and brokenness. He intervenes, He comes down to earth, and He rescues us from ourselves, offering Himself up as a sacrifice for our sins, bearing the weight of what we deserve. It isn’t just what He does; it is part of who He is.

This heart of God as a rescuer and redeemer of the afflicted is an underpinning for our entire faith. He doesn’t leave us to our own devices. He says, “I’ve got you. I’m coming in.” And He doesn’t stop until we’re safe in His arms.

Questions to Consider:

How has God acted as a rescuer for His people throughout history?

How do you see Him showing up in this role in the world today? What’s one of the biggest areas you see a need for His intervention?

What has He rescued you from in your own life?

Prayer Points:

Spend a few moments journaling and talking to God. If you need some help, here are a few prayer points to get you started:

Spend some time thanking the Lord for how he has rescued you in your own life.

Praise Him for His faithfulness to His people throughout history. Think of specific times when He intervened on behalf of His children and rescued them from the consequences of sin or selfishness.

Intercede on behalf of those who need the Lord to rescue them today (some ideas: vulnerable children trapped in poverty or abuse, victims of trafficking, orphans and widows with no one to rely on). Ask God to show Himself mighty on their behalf.

Verse of the Day:

Job 29:12

Today, we have a fatherlessness crisis—not only for the 153 million children around the world who are orphaned, but also the millions more who have been abandoned, abused, disappointed, and hurt by the humans who were supposed to represent the role of father on earth. With so much pain connected to the concept in this world, it can be hard to fully comprehend the beauty of God’s character as our Father.

But close your eyes for a moment and imagine.

He is everything your heart ever longed for in a father. He is the arms that scoop you up when you fall. He is the voice singing you softly to sleep. His is the gaze that delights in you so deeply as His child, His precious treasure, the apple of His eye. His is the righteous wrath over any evil that tries to hurt you or separate you from Him. He is your protector. There is a feeling of safety and a deep breath of freedom— He will never fail you. With Him beside you, there’s nothing that can make you feel afraid.

That is who your Father is. That is His heart for you.

Questions to Consider:

Is the concept of “father” positive or negative to you? What are some strongholds that might keep you from fully accepting the concept of God as your Father?

Why is God’s heart for us as His children such an important part of understanding His character?

Are there times in your life where God showed up for you as a protector or provider? Take a minute to jot them down and put them on your fridge or bathroom mirror as a reminder of His love for you.

Prayer Points:

Spend a few moments journaling and talking to God. If you need some help, here are a few prayer points to get you started:

Confess to God what may be keeping you from fully accepting Him in the role of Father.

Ask God to give you deeper insight into His heart as your Father.

Spend at least five minutes in silence focus on God and listen for what He may be impressing on your heart.

Verse of the Day:

Psalm 68:5

When we experience the pain of this world, whether it is a tragedy that affects us personally or news of a disaster from the other side of the world, it can be easy to cry out: “God, where are You? Father, why don’t You see?” The hurt can be so raw. If we aren’t grounded in the knowledge of the character of our God, our own pain or even our compassion for those who are in pain can lead us to question Him.

Instead, we need to remember the heart of our Father. He is a God who sees the trouble of the afflicted. He is there—walking beside the brokenhearted. He is there—huddled in the darkness with the child who has been abandoned. He is there—running beside the refugee who is fleeing for his or her life. He feels the pain no one else can see. He weeps with them, and with us. He hears every cry. His heart is to wipe every tear from every eye and banish the pain of death forever.

Until then, God doesn’t promise us peace or perfection in this world, but He does promise us the comfort of His presence. He promises that when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, His footsteps will echo beside us. Whatever trials and suffering we may endure in this world, we are so blessed to serve a God who is a comforter. God’s

Questions to Consider:

What does God’s role as a comforter say about His character?

How does God’s promise of His presence change the way we view or react to disasters or darkness in this world? How can this be part of our testimony as followers of Christ?

Prayer Points:

Spend a few moments journaling and talking to God. If you need some help, here are a few prayer points to get you started:

Jot down areas of pain or darkness, whether personal or global, where you feel tempted to question God’s presence. Spend some time praying over each of them and ask the Lord to reveal His hand in the situation to you. Ask Him to deepen your faith even when you don’t see His hand.

Now, write down five times God showed up for you in moments of great hurt or darkness Spend time praising Him for His comforting presence. When you are doubting His presence, cling to those touchstones of His faithfulness. He is here. He will never leave you.

Verse of the Day:

Psalm 10:14