Years ago I frequented a local shop, one of those places where you can buy items nearing the Best Before date, at much cheaper prices.
In my house I have three busy boys, two are now teenagers and one on the verge of becoming a teenager, so they really eat a lot, which in turn ensures that the Best Before dates aren’t reached.
While paying for my goodies, I felt a soft prompting in my heart by Holy Spirit to pay for the items that the person behind me had.
I actually noticed him when he walked in, a neat middle-aged gentleman, but his shoes told a tale of someone who has walked a long and hard road.
Of course, when I offered, at first he didn’t want to accept the gesture, but he relented, thanked me and walked out the door.
I asked the cashier if he frequents the shop regularly, which she confirmed as he stays nearby and walks there quite often.
He buys the item he had (a certain brand of Mayonnaise) very often, and a few other things.
I decided to buy some more food items, and the assistants helped choose the items he likes, and they assured me that they will keep the items in a box to give to him when they see him again.
About two months had passed, and by chance I visited the same shop this week.
The one assistant recognised me, and brought me a letter, that the man had dropped off.
Wow! This was so special to me, that he would actually take the time and effort to write something, which I didn’t expect.
I took the special letter, wrapped in a silver ribbon, and decided to read it at home.
Since the beginning of this journey with Father, he has taken this heart of stone and replaced it with one of flesh….which means that I cry a lot, more than I have cried most of my life, I’m sure.
This man’s name is Hendrik, and he starts the letter off with “Precious Stranger” (Dierbare Vreemdeling), and it ends off with “May God bless you”
Hendrik, thank you for this precious blessing, you have blessed my life more that you could know.
He reminds me of the one man that Jesus healed in Luke 17, while travelling to Jerusalem.
Jesus healed 10 men, but only one returned to thank Him. Hendrik’s heart is a grateful heart, the heart that went the extra mile, that went back to where the blessing was received, and just like the man in Luke 17, thanked Jesus for the miracle.
We are often so caught up in what happens around us, that we forget to honor Him, and the person He uses to bless or help us. It can be something financial, or emotional, a kind word, someone who just shows up on your doorstep for a cup of coffee and listens to your worries.
Being blessed is not only something that you can touch, see or smell, it can be a feeling as well or a small gesture when you least expect it.
Be a blessing to someone today, tomorrow and every day, even if you only smile at the guard opening a gate, or a passerby.
Let the love you feel in your heart, God’s love, touch the lives of others, so that they can get a glimpse into what real unconditional love looks like.
Sometimes the smallest step can make a life altering difference in someone’s life who needs it the most!
We see people asking for help daily on Facebook posts, be it money, food, clothes for themselves or even for expectant mothers.
And it is always beautiful to see how many people are willing to put up their hands and say, “I will” It is also sad to see how many people are so judgemental, and negative and have nasty things to say.
Yes, we do need to take accountability for the choices we make, but is your unwillingness to help, or word of judgement going to change the situation in a positive way, or are you only going to criticise that persons and that person still goes to bed hungry, or walks around in the cold in the middle of winter without a jacket, while you have an extra one that has been gathering dust in your closet for years?
You still have a choice – are you making the right decision according to biblical principles? Are you doing what Jesus would have done or expected of you in the situation?
ACTS 20: 35 says:”In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Kingdom News: Blessed by a Blessing
