Led by His SpiritSample

In 1994, Alvin Straight got the news that his older brother Henry had suffered a stroke. Unable to drive a car because of his poor health and failing eyesight, Alvin set out on his John Deere riding lawnmower from his home in Iowa toward his brother’s home in Wisconsin. He took along camping supplies and traveled at five miles per hour. After breaking down twice and having to wait for his Social Security check to come in so he could continue his trip, Alvin finally arrived in Blue River, Wisconsin six weeks after he left home. He was willing to do whatever it took to see his brother. Eventually, his nephew packed up the riding lawnmower in the back of his truck and took Alvin back to his home.

When the Apostle Paul was in need, the churches in Macedonia, into which he had poured so much, responded with a gift of incredible sacrificial generosity. It was far beyond what they could have been expected to do. Yet they gave joyfully, even begging Paul to take it because they wanted to be part of his ministry. This extraordinary act of giving was not merely a reflection of their love for Paul—it was evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in their hearts. Despite their deep poverty, the Spirit produced an abundance of joy and a willingness to give that exceeded their natural ability. The generosity of the Macedonian Christians serves as a reminder that when we yield to the Holy Spirit, He transforms our priorities. The more we love God, the more we desire to invest our time, resources, and lives in ways that reflect His love and glorify Him.