Today was a fun day for our family. Since about mid-February, we had been plagued with illness- from ear infections to asthma issues. Last weekend was really the best everyone had felt in awhile. So, after a good and productive week, we decided it was time to celebrate a belated Valentine's Day and just spend some time together. We went to a local museum and did a little needed shopping and were headed to the grocery store when we passed a family standing in the parking lot. They were clothed warmly and the father held a sign that read, "Lost my job. I have two kids. Please help!"
Immediately, both our older boys asked what we could do to help the family. We had already made a plan to "divide and conquer" our remaining tasks; so, Carson and I went into the grocery store while Reagan and the other two boys went to run another errand. As we shopped, Carson asked several times about the family and I knew that his heart was burdened as was my own. I knew we would offer some financial assistance and try to help, but I just wasn't sure how much. To be brutally honest, we have had several unexpected expenses recently- mostly medical- with everyone having been so sick in the past weeks. Reagan and I had just discussed how we needed to watch our extra expenses over the next week or two especially with Kendall's birthday right around the corner. My mind tossed all these thoughts about as we bought the few items we needed.
As I met Reagan at our vehicle, he confirmed that he, too, felt that we needed to help. This did not surprise me. More often than not, we offer what we have when we see a need.... and this hit a sensitive spot as we struggled several years ago when Reagan was unemployed. Plus, we have always believed that God calls us to do help when we can- the one receiving the help will be held accountable for the usage of what we give, but we would be held accountable for our decision to honor Him by doing the giving. Reagan said that he had just heard a song on the radio and a line in it was.... "when your generosity empties your hand, He will supply for your need." So, off we set to find the family and they seemed genuinely thankful for our offering.
We drove home and began the process of unloading the vehicle. I went to check the mail and found that we had received a check from some of our mineral rights.... it wasn't huge, but it more than made up for what we had given. I was a mix of joy and conviction as I had struggled some with having the right heart about helping that family in need. Don't get me wrong- I wanted to help, but kept thinking of the needs we had. The tears welled in my eyes as I beheld God's faithfulness.... we can never out give the Father. We have helped before when there wasn't a check waiting for us in the mail, but we also never missed what was given out because God blessed in other ways. He is absolutely faithful, my dear friend. Whatever situation you are in right at this moment- never doubt that He will be faithful to you. I think the harder question is, will we be faithful to Him?
"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!" (2 Corinthians 9:7-15 NLT)
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