Several years ago, an article was published in Time magazine about a doctor who lived through the terrible bombing of Hiroshima. When the initial blast occurred, Dr. Fumio Shigeto was waiting for a streetcar only a mile away, but he was sheltered by the corner of a concrete building. Within seconds after the explosion, his ears were filled with the screams of victims all around him.

Not knowing what had happened, Dr. Shigeto stood there for a moment bewildered, wondering how he as one man could ever handle the "mountain" of patients. Then, still somewhat stunned, Dr. Shigeto opened his black bag, and began treating the person nearest to him.

When I look at the staggering needs of a dying world, I can easily become overwhelmed. God certainly doesn't expect me to frantically try to help everyone in need. That's too big a burden. Galatians 6 says that we are to "do good to all," but that doesn't mean we have to reach everyone. We are to help anyone we can whenever we have the opportunity to do so.

When you are faced with the distressing spiritual needs of a lost world, don't despair. All God asks is that you do what you can.  — Mart De Haan