Just wanted to share this message from one of our group leaders. Hope it blesses your heart as much as it did ours💜.
Was at Hope awhile this morning in the pantry. After a brief repentance for slacking in keeping it tidy lately and a brief prayer I begin unpacking the donations (thank you Lord) and notice most of them are in a Foodlion or Walmart bag tied in a tight knot. Each bag containing 4 or 5 items more or less.
My over tired, super stressed mind begins to wander (at least that's what I thought at the time. Little didn't know I was attending a church sermon for one).
Who tied this knot I thought, as I unknotted each one and Why did they give?
Was it a young couple just starting out? Where they on a tight budget to cover this months bills? Did they purchase the items in this bag trusting in Gods faithfulness to provide as they help the less fortunate?
Was this bag tied by the bent, wrinkled and lonely hands of a widow or widower? Did they choose to donate a family size can, like the one they used many years ago as their family gathered together? Did it remind them their all alone now? Did they follow their heart and make their donation choices without hesitation, despite their limited funds, because they Know first hand that God has no limit as to how He cares for His children.
My thoughts continued with each bag I opened.
Did this person smile with the satisfaction of pleasing the Lord as they knotted their bag?
How about this bag ? Was it tied by someone who had watched Chanel 287 the night before and figured they'd give this seed planting business a try? 😆
Maybe the majority of these bags where given by people just like us. People that know how good God has been to them, and want to do whatever they can to help others come to know Jesus for themselves.
As I once again began to wonder who tied the next bag, my thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. I was reminded of the 5 loaves and the 2 fish. I was reminded that over 5 thousand people were helped with that tiny bit. Then plopped right into my mind was, these knotted bags, tied in obedience to That Very Same God Will also help hundreds if not thousands.
If I had been holding a mic 🎤 I'm certain it would have dropped at that thought.
Needless to say I've found new enthusiasm dating and putting cans away.
It's pretty cool with all the hate and evil going on that people, whoever they are, are still willing to buy a couple extra cans for someone they'll never know.
The same principle is true for our volunteers. Who are they and why do they give of their time?
Really felt I needed to share my personal sermon from Hopes pantry with you guys. Idk Perhaps someone needed a bit encouragement."
Amen💜.