A Test?

Today, Tim and I went to Sam's Club to get a few things. As we were leaving, we noticed a young woman standing next to the intersection and we stopped next to her at the stop light. She was holding a sign that said she was traveling and ran out of gas money.

Now, it's at this point that I needed to make a decision. Do I act like I don't see her and continue on with my day? OR do I roll down the window and hand her money?

I rolled down the window and gave her money. As a matter of fact, I ended up giving her alot more than I had first intended to give her because as I began counting through the money in my pocket book, I realized just how blessed I truly am and couldn't help but give her more. The young lady seemed embarrassed and scared. I just can't stop thinking about her!

We went to a drive thru restaurant up the road and then came back by the intersection where the young lady was standing. She was gone. She could have stayed there all day long and made quite a bit of money, I would say, but instead, she apparently took the money and used it right then. I began to tell Tim that she could have very well been an angel of God who was sent to test us in our willingness to give. So, do you think we passed the test?

Many times before, I have been guilty of ignoring the person and going about my day as though nothing had happened. Of course I have terrible guilt by doing nothing about it while hearing voices in my head from all of the people in my life who never gave a dime to someone standing around holding a sign. I always remember being told that you can't trust people to really be in need and that the people standing around asking for money are just lazy and don't want to work or they'll just use the money for drugs or to get drunk or something.

WELL, I don't believe this kind of thinking ever helped anyone! As a child, I saw a need and wanted to do something about it. My Jesus-like heart when I was small was squelched by older people who had been hurt by the world and learned not to care for anyone but themselves.

But, I ask you, "What if they really were in need of food or whatever?" If they were, you just missed your chance to make a difference in someone else's life, that's what.

If you give to those who are unable to help themselves, God will replace what you give with more than you can possibly hold. God is a great giver and He simply cannot ignore us in our great need. If you ask Him, He will provide all you need but you must look for Him and His answer and you will find it!

God Bless You in your living, learning and growing with giving to others!