"One Who Is Gracious To A Poor Man...

."..lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed." Proverbs 19:17 (NASB)

Yesterday was a very interesting day. It had already been a busy week with three funerals to officiate, preparation for Wednesday night, and Sunday coming. Add to that a wedding this weekend, and you can have ministerial overload.

So I was quite pleased to know that Thursday was to be a day in the study, preparing sermons and getting reorganized. I planned to enjoy the quiet and solitude.

But apparently God had other plans. Call it a "Divine Interruption."

A couple of visitors came to the office. One in particular had a problem. He wanted to "talk to the pastor."

To make a long story short, he was in trouble. He and his wife were separating (another long story) and he was living "in the woods." He said he had never been in such a situation. He was crying and broke. He had come in the day earlier to see me. Instead, he visited with an associate pastor and told him the story. The man apparently wanted nothing more than prayer.

He told me he had a job opportunity in Arkansas for about a month, after which he would return to work back down here. He was broke and needed to get there. He had tried the payday loan places and they had rejected him.

I felt for him. I prayed with him. I thought about it. After consultation, I took a big risk.

I decided to help him.

Yes, every day we get similar stories and requests for aid at the church. But somehow this seemed different.

I decided to give him the $120 dollars he needed to get to Arkansas. I borrowed it from another staff member and took it to the man. I looked him in the eye and said it was a loan and that I was taking him at this word.

He looked me in the eye and said, "My word is all I have."

I put the money in his hand. He took it, hugged me and left. He never outright asked for the money, but I couldn't help but remember what James in the New Testament said about wishing people well who were needy and not helping them.

I simply obeyed the inner voice.

Foolish? Taken? Naive? Perhaps. But it will be the last time with him if it is true. "Fool me once...., remember?" I felt a deep impression to at least take a chance on giving a guy who said he'd never been without a roof over his head a chance.

He drove away. Then it happened.

I was preparing to mail a letter and opened the envelope to place the letter inside. Inside was a $100 dollar bill! I had already been repaid, save $20. I literally felt chills down my neck, like seeing a ghost.

Later at lunchtime, I told my lunch companion the story. He had that "I know the pastor got taken again" look on his face. I tried to explain all my reasoning and impressions for my decision. That seemed to satisfy him.

Back to the office and preparing for Sunday. The intercom beeps. Another visitor!

When he walked into the office, he stepped toward the desk and threw a wad of bills on it. As he stood and looked out of the window with tears in his eyes, he told me that as a child it was his job to keep water in the bucket. To keep the pump primed so to speak. I protested. He insisted, saying he wanted to do it and was able. I accepted his gift.

I shook his hand and he left as quickly as he came.

I took the money and counted it.

I gave away $120. I got back over $300, counting the money I found and the money he left me.

God had repaid me. With interest. I'm glad I obeyed the inner voice.

"One who is gracious to the poor..."

You can't outgive God!

What a day!