Daily Power #255

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7)

On a mission trip to Honduras, our host introduced our team to a sweet older woman. Even though she was shockingly poor, evidently many looked to her as a leader and spiritual influence in this small impoverished community.

The lady was ecstatic that we there to help. She had prayed for years that God would send people to help empower her neighbors to get jobs and begin to build lives that would matter. When we arrived at her hut, I was reminded again of how blessed we are in America. Not only did she not have running water or electricity, but the floor was dirt and the walls were made of scraps.

We sat down on logs for lunch. This precious woman beamed as she served me meat. Glancing around, I noticed that no one else, including her, had meat on their plates. I asked our host who explained to me that she had heard I hadn’t had meat in a while. This was true, but only because Amy was in a vegetarian phase (which thankfully passed as quickly as it came).

Our host explained that she wanted to honor me with meat and had saved her money for quite some time to bless me with something should could not even afford for herself. I sat stunned. Speechless. And shaken. How could someone with so little give so extravagantly to someone who has so much?

As you have been blessed, God wants you to be a blessing to others.

Power Lift

Lord, I have so much and yet often still want more and overlook those in need around me. Pierce through my selfishness and help me overcome my excuses so I can give generously and joyfully.