God is so good to me and I have done absolutely nothing to deserve it. I owe Him everything. This morning, Brother Holder was talking about the number 40. Forty is the only number whose letters are in alphabetical order – fun fact. Forty is also a significant number in the Bible. During Noah’s time, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wondered through the dessert for 40 years, Jesus was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights, and Jesus was on earth for 40 days after he rose from the dead. After that he ascended to heaven. During those 40 days Jesus appeared to the apostles, proved in many ways that he was actually alive, and talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
Our church is getting ready to start something called 40 days of community. We will be meeting in homes and going through a study to explore what God’s purpose is for us. At the end of the 40 day study, each group is going to do some kind of outreach project.
Normal so far…
Until the Pastor pulls out a stack of $10 bills. He invited people to commit to joining a community group, and he also invited them to come and take a $10 bill. But the money isn’t for you he said. It’s for you to give in the name of Jesus.
Okay. That’s different I thought to myself. I thought about what I would do with my $10 bill, but I heard the Lord’s voice very clear to not take one.
Okay. If you say so God. I started to question God, but when I hear his voice that clear, I know better. I just obeyed.
So people start coming to get their $10 bills. I wondered where they would all end up.
Mindy Newberg handed me the first bill; said they were praying for me.
Thank you.
Someone else. Thank you.
I received many hugs.
The next thing I know I was sitting down with Hershal on one side and Mrs. Sunday on the other side and my lap is overflowing with $10 bills, and I can’t see who is giving them to me because my eyes are filled with tears.
I couldn’t keep all my emotions in.
But this isn’t about me. It’s about Jesus.
This is my thank you letter to everyone in church today who gave their prayers, hugs, and $10 bills.
Thank you! For giving to the Lord and for blessing me so much. It was a story I got to come home and tell my parents. God didn’t overflow my cup today… He overflowed my lap… with $10 bills. Thank you to whoever donated the stack of $10 bills. God knows who you are. If you were one who chose to give your $10 bill to me, then thank you. But let me tell you that you weren’t giving that money to me. You gave that money to God’s Kingdom; it’s only passing through my hands. Every bill is going towards this mission trip where I am partnering with God to spread his Gospel. My hands are shaking because God somehow found me trustworthy enough to handle His money. This money is sending the Gospel around the world… to ELEVEN countries! Thank you so much for your hearts and willingness to give. If you gave today, go get a cup. I am praying that God will overflow your cup like he overflowed mine. Be prepared because my prayers have been getting answered.
Thank you, church.
Thank you, God.
From the bottom of my heart.
I wish you could see how sincerely thankful I am, but only God can see into the depths of me like that.
I love you all.
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38
