A young preacher opened a letter from his mother containing twenty dollars. As much as he needed it, he noticed a beggar outside on the footpath and thought: “That man needs $20 more than I do.” So, he put the money in the envelope, crossed out his name and wrote “PERSEVERE” across the top in large letters. So as not to make a scene, he put the envelope under his arm and dropped it as he walked past the man. The man picked it up, read the message and smiled. The next day, the same man tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a big wad of cash. Surprised the young preacher asked him what that was for? The man replied, “This is your half of the winnings. “PERSEVERE” came in first in the fourth race at the track yesterday, and he paid 30 to 1.”
This silly (but humorous) story illustrates that blessings can come from the most unlikely of sources.
Jesus promises: “Ask, and you shall receive.” This, of course, goes way beyond the physical needs of this world into the deeper needs of the heart and soul.
But even then, we get caught up in the process. God’s gifts of talents and opportunities are easily attributed to us. Pride and the praise of men cause us to claim the fruit of God’s work as being wrought by us.
Paul, eager to dispel any reason for boasting in the Corinthian brethren, asks them three questions: “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1Cor.4:7).
God’s gifts are His personal blessings. He multiplies them for our enjoyment and use in His church. From the first day of creation to this one, all that exists is from the hand of God. In Christ we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. That indeed is a gift worthy sharing.
John Staiger
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