Imagine, being lost in a great desert, without water... pangs of thirst soon become overwhelming until the sufferer would give anything for just a glass of pure water!

What a terrible situation to be in.

Now, listen to these solemn words from the prophet Amos, writing from the Old Testament.

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find [it]. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst." Amos 8:11-13

Today, do we see this type of famine? Do we see a drought for the living words of God, and of genuine living faith? Do we see young men and women who may seem satisfied with their friends, money, the attractions of the world, but inside they are destitute of the knowledge of God? Inside, they have a great thirsting, a great unmet need.

Today, where do we see genuine Christians, those who live by "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God"? (Matthew 4:4).

Where can we see those, who, having been "crucified with Christ" are now living "by the faith of the Son of God"? (Galatians 2:20)

Where are the real men and women who "follow His steps", the steps of Christ, in loving service to God and man? (1 Peter 2:21)

Where are those, who are have heaven in their hearts as they daily commune with God through prayer and Bible study?

Is there a lack? Is there a great spiritual famine in this world? If you and I can recognise this, what must we do?

The world needs to see people filled with the love of Christ. Jesus, the "desire of all nations" (Haggai 2:7) is the only way for souls, thirsty and parched, to be satisfied.

The call for us is simple.

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" - 1 Peter 2:21

The world needs Christ, and how does it see Him?

"I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when [there was] no strange [god] among you: therefore ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I [am] God." - Isaiah 43:12

By our witness!

As we follow in the footsteps of our Saviour, we become reflections of Christ. Then as the world sees the life of Christ being lived out in His witnesses, they are drawn to Him.

There is a great famine in the land. Are you prepared to be a witness for God?

All who are on the Lord's side are to confess Christ. "Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord." The faith of the genuine believer will be made manifest in purity and holiness of character. Faith works by love and purifies the soul, and with faith there will be corresponding obedience, a faithful doing of the words of Christ. Christianity is always intensely practical, adapting itself to all the circumstances of actual life. "Ye are My witnesses." To whom?--To the world; for you are to bear about with you a holy influence. Christ is to abide in your soul, and you are to talk of Him and make manifest the charms of His character. - Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, pg 200