Day 8

Mercy

READ

Habakkuk 3:2 (NIV)

REFLECT

As we look around us, it’s easy to be discouraged by all the injustice that is happening. People are being exploited by those who have power; women, children and men are being trafficked into sexual slavery by those who seek to silence the voices of the vulnerable.

The prophet Habakkuk experienced a similar situation. The destruction of Judah was imminent, the Babylonians were at their front door, even their own leaders were turning away from God. Yet Habakkuk had hope. He remembered all the great deeds the Lord had done in the past: the exodus from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea; being fed and rescued time and again. As he looked back at the ways God had rescued His people, his faith was strengthened; he was able to believe that God would once again repeat His mighty acts on behalf of His people.

We can experience the same faith and hope that Habakkuk did, if we look back and think about the mighty things God has done in our own lives. He has saved us from sin. He has rescued many of us from situations of physical or psychological captivity and exploitation. He has raised up warriors around the world who are ready to fight injustice wherever they find it. Our voices are being heard!

While it may sometimes seem like evil is winning, we know the end of the story. We know that God’s side wins. He will have the ultimate victory over all injustice in our world. He will repeat His deeds in our day. And He will show His great mercy.

RESPOND

Today, may you explore how to become an ally with survivors around the world and in your community. There are various groups across the U.S. that are led by survivors of trafficking and allies. The Salvation Army’s Portland, Maine drop-in center, is a place that seeks to partner with many such groups to ensure that survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation are at the center of the conversation about programming, outreach and advocacy in the State. We encourage you to find ways in your region to stand with Survivors to fight this form of oppression. One way that we can continue to fight for the oppressed is through advocacy, policy reform, and education in our communities, today may you find ways to engage in becoming an ally in fighting human trafficking.

RECEIVE

Pray for those who are experiencing injustice today. Pray that survivors may receive all that they need to enable them to reach out to others who are now experiencing the effects of sex-trafficking. Pray for God to reveal ways in which you can join in the fight for justice going on in your community.