Several nights a week I return to the dorm after curfew smelling of pie and wet bar towels with crumbs smeared across my brown Pippins Pie Pantry t-shirt. The pockets of my wrap around patchwork skirt bulge with tip money to pay for college fees.
One Sunday, before fulfilling another shift, I sit in church distracted by worrisome thoughts about how to pay bills coming due. While the preacher delivers a sermon on living by faith, I usher a quick prayer, ask Jesus for a miracle.
And just as I begin to stand up, make my way out of the auditorium, an older woman sitting next to me grabs my arm, pulls me back down and asks me to wait a moment. Stunned, I watch her fidget awkward in the pockets of her coat. She leans over, whispers into my shoulder, “God told me to give you this.” Takes my hand in her hers and carefully places a wad of bills into my trembling fingers.
I hadn’t spoken to her once during the service. I came in late, took the empty aisle seat next to her. A stranger to me, or perhaps an angel appointed by God. I may never know.
And I don’t remember how much money she handed me that day. Just that I went directly to the grocery store and every single item I selected meant something.
Because I purchased each one with a miracle.
That lady, she obviously practiced hearing God’s voice and I it makes me want to hear Him like that too. So I practice and think of the disciples.
How Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs. They travel light. Without money, extra shoes, or suitcases full of clothes and toiletries. (Luke 10)
Just carrying the name of Jesus.
Because it is all they need.
For healing the sick.
And setting people free.
They practice the name of Jesus, over and over again. In the kitchen of a friend, along a dirt road, at the store, they practice.
I stand in line at the grocery store; eavesdrop on the conversation behind me between a father and son. Look into eyes wrapped tired with lines. Leathery hands of a father holding two loaves of doughy bread, bologna, milk, cereal. He shuffles bread into one arm, counts the bills in his stubby, cracked fingers.
Whispers to his son, “I just got paid and it’s already almost gone.”
The young boy looks at his Dad and I hear the guilt in his voice when he asks if they should put something back. Return an item from what an arm can hold, not a cart full.
Now I am the woman hearing Jesus, fidgeting in my pocket, because I must act quickly to obey in this moment.
And as I pay for my things, I give extra to the cashier and she looks puzzled. I whisper over to her that she can use it for the bill of the ones standing in line behind me.
Just before I get to my van, the father, he comes running after me. Asks me why I did that. Why did I pay for his groceries? And I tell him, “Jesus told me to do it, because He loves you.”
The name of Jesus. Practice using that name. It changes everything.
Counting gifts with Ann today and if you are joining me this year to take the dare to 1000, kindly share one of your gifts in the comment box for the eyes of community. We do this together, yes?
- For teary laughter that makes the stomach hurt with friends on-line.
- Hand over mouth laughter with friends at dinner.
- A husband who finds me in the aisle of the grocery store, just because he sees my car in the parking lot and wants to surprise me.
- For the roses I cut before the frost that radiate beauty for a week now, reminding me of hope after winter of the soul.
- For an aunt that gives up her time to watch over my children so I can go to a conference.
Linking with Jen and Shanda on Tuesday!
Thank you Shelly…so encouraging and needed today, everyday.
So glad LuAnn! Love you lots.
As I sat in church yesterday I thought how blessed I am for the freedom to worship our Lord.
Yes, going to a country where that isn’t the case gives one perspective on true freedom. Look forward to seeing tomorrow in Houston!
A friend of ours lost their child to suicide yesterday. It makes me live in the moment even more. It makes me thankful to our precious Savior for our children.
Oh Jennifer, that is just heartbreaking. We have had a number of teen suicides in our little town. I agree with you, that we need to see each moment as a gift and be thankful for each one. So glad you left a comment. That friend of yours will be remembered in my prayers.
What a touching message!! I love when God speaks to us 🙂 what a great reminder of listening and asking God to use us. Also love the name of Jesus. Just his name can move mountains
Yes, always listening. Amen Kristen!
Wonderful post!
Thank you for sharing your story of Jesus leading you to give……..what a blessing for that father and son and we pray that God will show them His love today and tomorrow and every day through others who are loved beyond measure.
Thank You Jesus for Shelly…..her obedience to share and bless me. Help me to love as I am loved also.
Thank you for the lovely prayer. I know what it feels like to feel guilty about money spent when it is scarce and it just broke my heart for that boy. I am blessed that I could do it! Thanks for following by the way! Nice to have join the community here.
Shelly, I have to admit this made me literally weep. I have been feeling God’s hand in a few areas, but I do not see any results. This was confirmation that He is always with us, always aware of our needs, and always loving us.
Oh Jen. Can’t tell you how much your comment blesses me today. Thank you Jesus for giving this kind of comfort to a seeking heart. I hope this will be the first of many confirmations to you about how much He loves you sweet friend. And I do know that He loves you much!
Oh… love, love, love it! What a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing! And your husband stopping to surprise you when he sees your car. Oh my. That is so sweet! 🙂
Jennifer, so nice to meet you and yes, I do have a thoughtful, always generous husband that way. I am grateful. Thanks so much for your kind words.
When we obey, we get the question that brings the opportunity—the question “WHY?”
Why did you do this? Why?—- Because of Jesus! “Jesus loves you”—this I know! This is the way of the proclamation of the gospel. Praise God!
I wish it were always this easy but it doesn’t always look this way either. Sometimes people see Jesus in us without words too!
this is service. and this is love. thank you for this reminder. all the best…
I have watched others do the same and their faithfulness always encourages me to not grow weary. I need reminding too. Glad I was that for you today. Always great to hear from you!
This post brought tears to my eyes. We struggle financially. I struggle sometimes to feed my family. But God, He is faithful. Thank you for being Jesus to others!
And Yes, I am taking the Joy Dare. Started over today counting my gifts! Today I am thankful for my space heater. Keeps me warm as we keep our PG&E bill down!
The government took care of the heat for me when I was young. So I know what it means to have a space heater. Barbie, praying for a miracle for you too. I know how we can become weary under finanical stress. Standing with you today friend.
Your post brought tears to my eyes as I read it! Yes. And, this is why we give thanks to Him!
Yes, thanks in all things. It’s what I am working on.
As my husband says, “You’re never more like Jesus than when you’re giving yourself away.” You live Jesus and lived out Jesus. No wonder I’ve come to love you and your space!
Well, that is a lovely thing to say Stefanie. Thank you. Right back atcha my friend. And I like that quote of your husband. So true, that the more we give with His leading, the more fulilled we become.
This is awesome. It’s exactly what Jesus means when He tells us to let our light shine so they may see our Father in heaven! I’m challenged to look for opportunities to serve and bless others. Thank you for the reminder!
Yes , always seeing. Him with eyes wide open. Hope you see the opportunities today.
Today’s blog is just one more reason why I look forward to every single post. This dovetails Doc’s sermon yesterday! We need to remember how much we are loved, and we need to show the rest of world how much Jesus loves them. What a wonderful way to show that love! Thank you, my friend!
Debbie, thanks for being a faithful follower. That Doc is somethin isn’t he?
It’s like “pay it forward” but with saying the reason. Thank you for sharing both those stories.
I’m doing the Joy Dare, so here’s one: leaving my spiritual director appointment feeling refreshed and energized
Leanne, I know that feeling well. It is truly a gift to be thankful for.
loved this. Hoe precious to be blessed. How precious to be a blessing.
It is a good thing but in the blessings, I want to be mindful of those who wait in sorrow or hardship for the blessings when hope wanes.
oh, I know that voice. And tears. Tears because I remember when I’ve followed it and when I have not. Tears because when someone answers His call it just makes me cry. I love your words here. Love them so much.
Thank you so much for all the resources you have sent me. I haven’t gotten to check them out yet, but I’m going to get to it tomorrow.
Jen I feel the same way. I often cry when I witness someone using their gifts. Spurs me on to do good works as he leads.
Tears here too, Shelly. What a beautiful gift–to hear His voice. But even more beautiful to heed it.
Thank you. I just realized last night that your previous comments went to spam for some reason. Thanks so much for your generosity in offering the link. Really enjoy your posts.
Oh how I needed to read this TODAY! (If you had read what I wrote on my own blog, you would know why…) I want to become a woman who can hear and obey God’s voice. Thank you Thank you for sharing! I am so amazed at the timing….
Sarah, can’t wait to read your post. Love it when God connects the dots that way. Rejoicing with you over the timing and hearing Him speak to you. Thank you Lord!
Lovely. Thankful for family who steps up when my husband and I are in bed sick, to take care of our little ones. So blessed.
Oh my, that is truly a blessing. I think of all the years we have lived away from relatives and how important community becomes when we have little ones. Hope you feel better soon.
Such an encouraging post and a reminder of the power of listening to His voice and then obeying…Love your post! To answer your question, I am very grateful for how God speaks and encourages me through His living Word and those, like you, who are living His love out loud 🙂
That listening can be tricky sometimes. But when I do have a heart open to hear I am grateful he was patient to speak. Blessings Dolly as you proclaim Christ.
Oh I love it! so precious- thank you for sharing your story. I try to listen – I’ve had to learn to “get still” so I can hear Him – but, it works! 🙂 Love this story!
Getting still can often be a challenge and sometimes he can speak loud and clear in the chaos too! So glad you left a comment.
I have tears in my eyes. This is a really rough time financially for my family, but I know what it is to be blessed and ministered to by others as God meets our needs during this difficult time- and I want, so much, to be that for others as well. To obey His voice as He urges us to give, to help, to serve. I loved this post.
I have known what it is to be in need, and to have much. God provides every step of the way. And in the most surprising ways! May he provide for your needs. So glad to be in community here with you.
You gave to all of us when you gave to him, by the power of story. Thank you for sharing your prompting with us.
What a lovely thing to say Ann, thank you. I used to take the supernatural things that happened for granted and then I realized how blessed people were when I shared my stories. It’s all grace, giving Him the honor He deserves.
Just found your blog. Read your article in Home Life this month and it interested me enought to look for you. So glad I did. Lovely article. Challenging. Practie listening for Jesus. Just what I’ve been trying to do, hear His voice. Thanks.
Peggy, what a gift you gave me in this comment. So glad to know you enjoyed the HomeLife article and what a joy to meet you here.