Prepare by Giving

I am so thankful that my husband has never been without a job. We have always had everything we need for our family...and more. Recently I was thinking about how that may not always be the case. I was also imagining what it would be like if the economy collapsed, and everything I'm accustomed to having access to, wasn't available anymore.

This isn't something I'd linger on too long. I don't often find it helpful to think of "what if" scenarios. However, it made me think about the unbelievable number of people all around the world who are in desperate need. Already. Today. If I were in dire need someday, and so were most of the people around me, how would I feel looking back? Maybe I will never be in that position, but I will stand before God someday. How will I feel then?

I think I would be grieved that I had not given more, when I had more to give.

If I put myself in the shoes of a mother holding her hungry child, all of the sudden I WANT TO GIVE. Not just because "I should". Not simply to quench the guilty feeling. God's command to give comes alive in my heart, and my desire becomes His. "I will run in the way of your commandments when You enlarge my heart!" (Psalm 119:32 ESV)  I want that so badly.

As I was considering how to prepare for possible hard times, I was reminded of this scripture: "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." (Proverbs 21:13 ESV) I felt like the Lord told me to prepare by giving. Give now. Give abundantly. Especially to those in very desperate need.

He wants me to trust Him to take care of my needs. My future needs. "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2 ESV)

If I am in communion with my Heavenly Father, He will be preparing me for what the future holds. I've seen Him do this for me before. He is always faithful. I just have to keep my eyes on Him, be in prayer, and be obedient. He will walk this life with me step by step and show me what to do.


For about a month my daughter has been wanting to give money to an organization that is doing what they call the "Christmas Shoe Project". Shoes are provided for kids who live in extremely dirty places. They will keep them from getting terrible infections that can lead to more serious complications.  We've been casually collecting money. It costs $3.60 for one pair of shoes. After what God put on my heart, I thought, "What am I waiting for?" So last night our family gathered enough money to buy 10 pairs of shoes. My kids were SO EXCITED! You should've seen the look on their faces. It made me think of the children's faces who will receive the shoes. Such joy on both ends! I love it.

Here are some more scriptures to ponder:

"...he who is generous to the needy honors Him." -Prov. 14:31b ESV
 
"The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor." -Prov. 22:9 NIV
   
"One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth." -Prov. 13:7 ESV

Today I am enjoying finding ways to give...big or small.  My daughter and I spent the morning brainstorming. I'll be excited to share some updates with you on that.