When people hear the word ‘chains’, most think of it with a negative connotation, such as prisoners with behavioral problems being chained together when working outside the prison. There was a song from the 1960’s called “Working on the Chain Gang.” The prisoners in the song yearned for freedom, but they were in chains, and their hope became a mirage.
However, chains can have an even greater positive significance. Take disaster relief teams such as Samaritan’s Purse or the Red Cross for example. They are links in the chain of God’s plan to provide aid for those in need. People on the homefront who donate money or goods are links to those who are positioned to help those in need. The victims in dire straits are links in the chain as well. There are as many links as there are people. God designed these chains to carry out His purpose, namely, those who have blessings share with those who have not. We delight that “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Links in the chain such as Feed My Starving Children and Food for the Hungry provide food and nutrition to the starving, the poor, and the needy around the world. Once again, the chain of links swings into obedience to God to carry out His purpose to provide help for the starving. Those who are blessed with abundance give to those positioned on the field who in turn are enabled to help those who are starving. We are encouraged to know “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
There is a chain of links that reaches those who cannot cry out for help for themselves. This chain of links works on the same principle, but with different profound life and death results. These are the anti-abortionists. Abortion – that hideous villain who kills unborn babies at the hands of doctors and the consent of mothers. Ministries, such as Pro-Life Action Ministries, are on the sidewalks outside abortion clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, to offer women going inside the fenced-in clinic an alternative way of dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. The counselors share God’s love for every human being including those in the womb. People opposed to abortions give financial support to several pro-life ministries who in turn try to rescue the mother and her unborn baby from the escorts who try to usher the women inside before she changes her mind. I make baby blankets to give to the sidewalk counselors who in turn give them to the moms who choose life for their babies. The Blankets with a Blessing are a tangible reminder of God’s love for all human beings. I often hear inspiring stories of women who choose life at the very last moment. We rejoice that a life is saved. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” (Proverbs 31:8)
Missionaries around the globe are able to be in the trenches in spiritually dark places because of donations from loyal supporters. Their work is in spiritual darkness. Their mission is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their goal is to break the chain of darkness and to bring thousands into the light. Supporters give to those missionaries who are in place to preach the gospel to the lost. We praise God for every unbeliever who becomes a believer. “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.” (Romans 10:15)
Every chain starts with the Father and ends with Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the oil that keeps the chain of links going. 
People are the links. God uses people in various roles for the good of others so that His purpose to provide for the downtrodden – whether disaster relief, nourishment from starvation, rescue from death, or hearing the gospel – is accomplished! It is up to us to be willing to keep the chain going.
Lord, You gift those with a variety of blessings for a diversity of needs, and every link in the chain brings glory to You, so would You bless these chains.