The boy knew that the countless starfish that had washed up on the beach would not survive. So he began picking them up and tossing them back into the ocean.
A man came up and said, "You know you can't possibly save all these starfish." The boy paused and looked at the starfish in his hand. Then he said, "Well, I can save this one," and threw it into the water.
Moved, the man started rescuing starfish himself. Others noticed and joined in. After a while, all the starfish on the beach had been returned to the sea.
The problems of this world feel overwhelming, the challenges too great to solve. But our seven-day practical faith demands that we do something about them. After all, Jesus went about serving as many as he could and urged his disciples to do the same in John 13: 14-15 (NIV):
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
I have seen countless times in my life that when I or when someone else steps out in faith, the Lord multiplies their efforts. More people come to help us with the starfish. Sometimes new, unexpected forces and resources are brought to bear.
We may not be able to save everyone in the world. We may not be able to fix every problem in the world. We may not be able to solve all the injustices of this world. But perhaps we can address the one right in front of us.
For more inspiration on this topic, please listen to my Episode 20 Practical Faith Academy podcast with Courtney Dailey, entitled "God-Powered Services in Hurricane Relief." The stories of people of faith pulling together to help the helpless will make you think and hopefully call you to act. Find the Practical Faith Academy podcast on all major podcasting platforms or by starting from the podcast icon on the CecilTaylorMinistries.com home page.
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