We were so blessed a few weeks ago to meet some more precious brothers and sister from Placerville. They came and served the people of the river colony. With smiles of compassion, they helped distribute food and clothing to our friends in need.
No matter how I try to explain to people how precious these people are, I'm learning that meeting them face to face is really the only way. While our friends from Placerville were distributing food and clothing a lady approached Hector and Maribel with some paperwork. She was sobbing and didn't know what she could do about her situation. Hector called me over to her and explained her circumstance.
The paperwork that she had with her contained information telling us that her brother was basically being released from the hospital to die. It was her younger brother and she wanted to know if we could help her bring her brother home. She needed to rent a room to take care of him. As Hector gave what he had to give, I headed over to my car to get some money to meet her need. I bowed my head in prayer while I was in my car and once again told the LORD, "I need more money. The need is so great. Please send me more." As I started to walk over to Hector, some of the men that were visiting asked how they could help. Once again I was blown away not only how fast God answered me, but how generously God met the need.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm being tested in my faith when it comes to the needs of others. I know that God doesn't expect me to meet every need myself, but He does seem to check on me a lot in the stewardship of what He's given to me.
Never make the mistake of thinking what you have is yours. It's not. It's all God's and it's on loan to you. What are we doing with what God has given us? Do we trust Him? Do we really believe that if we seek His kingdom first that He really will meet our needs?
When I see what has happened in the U.S. economy, I can't help but wonder if it's a test of the church. We've been so blessed that it's easy to think that our skills or intelligence have something to do with it.
This last year I have met all kinds of givers. I know of some that give away everything left over after paying off their bills. I've met some that have requested money for missions instead of birthday gifts. I've seen some take the jackets off of their backs and some the shoes off their own feet to give to someone in need. All of these people have one belief in common. God is faithful to His word. If He says He will meet all of your needs if you put His kingdom first, then He will. He's not a man that He should lie. He's faithful.
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