Blessing

Whilst cycling home from the daily school drop off, I noticed one of our estate community walking along the pavement looking very sad and forlorn. I pulled over and asked if everything was okay. It obviously wasn’t, so we walked the short distance back to the vicarage for a cuppa and a chat. She explained that since losing her job, her family was heavily in debt and £200 short of their rent payment that month.

I thanked her for sharing and offered a bit of practical help and signposting but explained that as a church, whilst we often help with groceries and essentials, we can’t really help with rent arrears. We had a brew and a prayer, praying that God would be the waymaker in this situation. She then left and I watched her walk down the path. I remember feeling helpless and a bit overwhelmed.

However, less than an hour later, I had a phone call from a recent visitor to our church saying that he’d like to donate some money that he’d found on his desk and asked if I was at home. He came round and gave me a white envelope and left with my thanks. I then opened the envelope and inside was exactly £200 – I got goosebumps all up my arms! I called him on his mobile and shared the story of what happened that morning and he said, quite a matter of fact, “Well, that’s obviously who it’s meant for.”

I took the envelope round to the lady’s house and said to her, “You’re not going to believe this, but someone has just come round and given me exactly £200 and he says it’s for you.” The lady cried with joy – she knew without any doubt that God had heard her prayer.

Prayer:

Praise God for His faithfulness and provision, even in the most unexpected ways. Pray for those who are struggling with financial burdens, so that they might experience God’s peace and miraculous provision. Ask for a heart that listens, a faith that trusts, and hands that are ready to give generously. Pray that stories like this inspire hope and remind us all of God’s incredible ability to meet needs through His people.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Pray about where to give your time, talents, or treasures - act on it anonymously.
2. Reach out to someone and ask them if they need something that they’re too embarrassed or afraid to ask for – see if you can provide for this need.
3. Create or buy a voucher booklet that contains acts of service and gift this to someone to use when they need it.