Viewpoint

We sat in church that Sunday morning, watching and waiting, as hands stretched out to pass along the tithe basket. As the basket slowly made its way closer to where we sat, my attention was directed toward the couple who arrived a little late, sitting just to our left.

We know them. We have been friends for quite awhile now. We know how they have struggled at times to pay their bills, keep their children clothed, and put food on the table. We know how each passing week brings with it a bit of anxiety as they wonder how they will come up with the money to fill their fridge with enough food to get them through another week.

We sat in church that Sunday, while the tithe basket - being dedicated to several families who had recently lost everything - started making its way down our row, when my attention was drawn to the husband as he said to his wife,"Do we have any more to give?" As she looked through her purse, she pulled out a $20 bill, and said, "This is all we have left, and I was going to use it for groceries." I thought to myself that she no doubt must be wondering where the grocery money would come from after giving it away to other families whose needs were greater than their own.

We know their hearts. They have always been this way. Giving from what little they have. But we also know something else. Something they can't possibly fathom as they give away the last of their money.

A few days before this happened, we received a phone call from someone who said that God continued to bring this family to mind, and that they would like to give them a gift. In an effort to remain anonymous though, they asked if we would deliver this gift to our friends.

We sat in church that Sunday, listening to their conversation, knowing their struggles, watching them place the last of their money in the tithe basket, and knowing that tucked away in my purse sat a little white envelope with a large amount of money set aside just for them.

It occurred to me that God had given me the opportunity to see the story from His viewpoint as I sat back and watched as...

One family gave from their abundance and blessed another family who, in their obedience, gave from their poverty.

I can't help but be thankful that we serve a God who, regardless of our circumstances, is active and involved in the lives of each one of His children.