I seem to be entering an interesting phase in my life. It’s a phase I’ve been praying would come. I hope it continues.
Much of my life has been lived just above poverty. The only time I bought a new car it was one of the smallest ones built at the time.
My current vehicle is 19 years old and it’s running great.
At 700 square feet my apartment is small by American standards but it fits my life at this time.
There’s a repeated phrase I’ve been hearing rather frequently in one form or another.
God bless you.
It usually follows some form of sacrifice I just made. I hear at Kairos Prison Ministry events from convicted felons who feel neglected and forgotten.
Men in charge of caring for children in Uganda send me that message after I send them a bit of money to help them fill a need they face.
That gets me to thinking about what God’s blessing looks like.
Many folks think it means things will get better. There’ll be more money to pay bills and buy a new car. Maybe buy a house instead of renting.
Last Thursday I had less than ten dollars in the bank and cash on hand total. Yet, I felt God’s blessing in a great way.
My health is great. I have enough stamina and strength to hold down two jobs that many guys knocking on 60 years of age can only dream of doing.
My stress level is low because of all the tests I’ve gone through from trusting God these many years. I had a moment just a few months ago that looked like there was no way I was going to be able to make it out financially.
I remember looking up and saying, “I can’t wait to see how You’re going to get me through this one, God.” I slept well. God came through yet again.
I still live just above the poverty level but I feel good about this situation.
I feel good because I’m helping people who need help and I can now help them. That makes me smile like nobody’s business when I can help like that, even when it depletes my bank account.
I had some money in my savings account for a while. It’s back to one dollar now. God is blessing me tremendously.
I’ve been on the receiving end of needing help. Now that I can give help I know what these people are feeling.
That’s why they wish God’s blessings on me for the sacrifice I made to them.
Internal blessings aren’t something you can measure. Others can’t see the effects on my soul or the souls I help, but God does.
I’ll keep working these two jobs until things change, which they might
The sacrifices I’m making now may be tests by God to see just how much He will “bless” me with so I can help even more people.
I’m not concerned with that outcome now. I’m simply enjoying these days of helping while praying I can keep making a positive difference.
I challenge you to reach out and give to someone in need who can’t return the favor.
You’ll be surprised by the internal blessing God will grant you.
I’ll see you later. Wade
