The $35 Blessing

This is a story about God meeting our needs.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

In the early 1990’s we were in an economic recession and times were tough for a lot of people, including us.  My husband’s salary had been cut and I was running a home day care to help make ends meet.

This particular day I received a call from friends of ours letting me know that the husband had lost his job. They had two children and the wife was working part-time so I knew this was going to be difficult for them. I wanted to help, but what could I do?

The first thing I did was pray and asked God to bless them. Suddenly I got a notion to go through my pantry and donate from what I had, what a great idea! I grabbed food items and paper products along with laundry detergent, etc.

Then my mind started to think bigger thoughts. “What about the neighbors on my street? Why not give them the opportunity to bless this couple.”

To be blessed by others is great, but we also need to be a blessing to others when we are able.

So I got in my minivan and drove house to house, knocking on doors and inviting my neighbors to help this family. I was overwhelmed with their responses; they could not have been more generous. They gave me bags of food, cleaning products, and bath and laundry items. My neighbors were so willing to help this family out; a family that they didn’t even know! It warmed my heart.

Finally I was at the last house. I knocked on the door and an elderly woman answered.  I introduced myself and explained what I was doing.  She told me that she didn’t have any items to donate but wanted to know if it would be alright to give the family a check.  I told her I was sure they could use it to purchase whatever they didn’t receive from the other donations; she seemed so happy to be able to participate.

The elderly woman handed me a check for $35.00.

By now my minivan was packed with grocery bags busting at the seams so I drove over to our friend’s home.  I knocked on their door and asked them to come out and help me unload some things.  I wish you could have seen their faces when I slid open the side door of my minivan, they were amazed! I explained that my neighbors and I had gone shopping for them in our pantries; they were really moved by the outpouring of generosity.

The three of us gathered all of the items and took them into their home.  Then I handed the wife the check for $35.00 and she began to cry.  She explained that her checkbook had gone into the negative that day for…$35.00!

God is so faithful and amazing!

It’s real life experiences like this one that build my faith and reveal the truth of God’s word.  He keeps his promises.  He said he would meet our needs and he does, every time.

Do you have a story to share about God meeting your needs?  I would love to hear it!