One of my favorite episodes in
Scripture has Jesus telling his followers that the more they give, the more they
will receive. It cannot be otherwise, he explains, because God will never be
outdone in generosity. The concept of tithing is explained in a different part
of Scripture, the idea that the first fruits---perhaps 10 percent of one’s
earnings---should be given to God as an act of faith. (The actual money can be
given to charity or church.)
It sounds simple, but putting it into practice is very
difficult. We all have reasons for not giving money away, especially now when so
many people are out of work completely, or earning reduced wages. But a
principle is a principle, and it works all the time, not just when it seems
easier to accept.
Colleen W. knows it first hand and her story is
typical of how most of us take the first step. Finances had been somewhat tight
for Colleen. One day she received a letter from a woman for whom she had done a
favor. Inside was a gift card for $25, along with a brief “thank you” note from
the woman.
Colleen was hadn’t expected to be paid, and she was
thrilled. She couldn’t remember the last time she had received money that had no
specific destination. The possibilities, although modest, seemed
endless---something to wear? Something pretty for spring? She headed out to one
of her favorite stories to enjoy some browsing time before making a selection.
While wandering up and down the aisles, she passed a
display of Easter bunnies and angels. And she thought immediately of Grace.
Grace was a dear friend who was mourning the death of her son. He had died
around Easter of last year, and the anniversary was approaching. How would Grace
handle it, Colleen wondered? Grace had started a collection of angels and
another of bunnies shortly after the funeral. “They just make me feel better,”
she once explained to Colleen. Now Colleen was looking at a display of the same
items, and…she moved closer. There was a statue of an angel holding a bunny.
Just perfect for Grace. The price? A little under $25.
No, Colleen thought. I can’t spend my gift card on
something for someone else… But she could and she knew it. You will be repaid,
said a voice in her head, but what did that mean? Quickly, before she changed
her mind, she bought the statue, went home, wrapped it and left it on Grace’s
porch.
When Grace phoned, Colleen could hardly hear her
through the tears. “It’s the nicest thing that’s happened to me in a long
time,”her friend told her. “How could you possibly know that I was asking God
for a sign that my son is in His arms?”
Colleen cried too then. She had definitely been
repaid, as the words in her head had promised. What could be more enjoyable than
making someone happy?
God probably feels that way too, which is why Colleen
received an unexpected check in the mail a few days later, from a utility bill
overcharge. The amount? $25.
The amount? Not important. Being a part of God’s
answer to prayer? Priceless.
Joan Anderson joan@joanwanderson.com Copyrighted by Joan Wester Anderson, used with permission. Originally appeared on the Where Angels Walk website, http://joanwanderson.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.