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Saturday, September 13
If God told you to give your last $25, would you give it? I tell you, GIVE IT! Trust me, I know! Years ago, during a very financially challenging time, I was at our bank, taking out about the last $25 we had to buy food.
As I walked to my car, I overheard a man talking to another man, “Now what am I going to do? The bank will be closed until Monday. I won’t have any money.” For some reason, he could not get any money from his paycheck.
Wouldn’t that make you just rush right over and give him some? God prompted me to do so, but I never found out what the problem was, because I got in my car and drove away - to my shame and embarrassment. I thought if I gave him the last of my money, how would I feed my family?
That was before I knew better how to obey the Lord, and to this day, I deeply regret it. I didn’t trust God and I never experienced His hand at work in that situation. God was trying to bless someone through me and teach me something, but I didn’t listen. Blessings were lost for both of us. Don’t let that happen to you.
“If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” (Luke 6:38 Contemporary English Version)
As I walked to my car, I overheard a man talking to another man, “Now what am I going to do? The bank will be closed until Monday. I won’t have any money.” For some reason, he could not get any money from his paycheck.
Wouldn’t that make you just rush right over and give him some? God prompted me to do so, but I never found out what the problem was, because I got in my car and drove away - to my shame and embarrassment. I thought if I gave him the last of my money, how would I feed my family?
That was before I knew better how to obey the Lord, and to this day, I deeply regret it. I didn’t trust God and I never experienced His hand at work in that situation. God was trying to bless someone through me and teach me something, but I didn’t listen. Blessings were lost for both of us. Don’t let that happen to you.
“If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” (Luke 6:38 Contemporary English Version)
Hi Lynn,
I understand exactly how you feel. I just wrote a blog today about how I regret not saying more- even a prayer- for a lady I met at WalMart the other day. I prayed for her and will continue to keep her in my prayers.
Don't beat yourself up too much though. It's unfortunate, but it happens. I think our feeling bad means we have the heart to do it and that we won't disappoint God next time around!
Blessings to you,
Kennisha
Cami, That was such a let down for me. I've never forgotten that feeling and I think it is a huge impetus now for me to follow that inner Voice! I'm so glad God provided through your experience. Thanks for sharing that. I love to hear stories of God's provision.
Thanks, cutie Kennisha, for your comment. I appreciate it. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you were. Hope all is well! Be blessed...
I loved this devotion. So many times we question what we should do even though we know what God would want us to do. So many times! thank you for a good reminder.
Hello, Terri Tiffany! So nice of you to take time to read this and leave a comment for me. I thank you very much. I visited your blog. I love it. Will be back often to visit. May the Lord bless all your efforts to serve Him.
Lynn, I've been on both sides of the coin--recipient of someone's anonymous gift and nudged to give to a stranger. I only had $12 left in my purse, and I overheard an elderly couple saying they wish they had enough to buy a few canned goods. They had coupons out and they had four or five staple items in their cart.
I turned the corner in search of a gift bag (this was at a Dollar Store, mind you), and felt God asking me to help the couple. I folded the bills up tight and went up to the lady. Said, "This might sound odd to you, but I felt God nudge me to help you today. This is from Him." With that, I stuffed the money in her hand, gave her a quick hug, and walked away. I heard her gasp and tell her husband, PRAISE GOD! Look what He did!
It made my day.
I've never done anything like that before, but believe me, I pay better attention to those nudges now. I've ignored them many times, too.
I really appreciate the honesty of this post. It made me put on my brakes and think. Thank you.
Oh, Bonnie, what a wonderful testimony of a nudge! I love accounts of obedience like this! Thanks for sharing it! Be blessed with more!