September 3, 2008
Sharon’s Bible
“Share with God’s people who are in need.”
Romans 12:13a (NIV)
Devotion:
Has God ever laid it on your heart to do something that sounded totally crazy? What was your response?
Last fall I had a wonderful adventure on the high seas as several of us set sail for the Girlfriends’ Getaway Cruise. My roommate was a fellow P31 speaker team member that I didn’t know very well yet, but grew to love during our time as roomies. Sharon Glasgow’s heart for God and sweet disposition made me so thankful that I had a chance to get to know her better.
One day during some downtime, I noticed Sharon reading her Bible. Now, let’s just say that Sharon’s Bible was well-loved. Some might go so far as to say it was falling apart! I noted the duct tape holding it together and the whole sections falling out. It was clear that Sharon’s Bible was precious to her, but I wondered how she could stand its fragileness when she traveled.
I love my Bible dearly and use it faithfully—the same Bible I have had since I was 17 years old! So, I totally understood what I perceived as Sharon’s reluctance to use any other Bible. When I got home and saw that I had a copy of the exact same kind of Bible as Sharon’s just sitting unused on a shelf, I smiled to myself. This Bible was in “like new” condition. At that moment, I felt God giving me a little nudge to send Sharon that Bible. I did what I am prone to do and argued with God about how it might offend her and that I didn’t want her to think I was judging her dilapidated old Bible. God assured me He would take care of that and I was to just obey. So I mailed the Bible off and that was the last I thought of it. Little did I know that Sharon had always wanted another Bible to replace her old one, but it was a limited edition that was no longer made. She had searched and searched but couldn’t find a new Bible that was just like the one she had. I couldn’t have known that when I sent her my new Bible - it was a much bigger gift than I imagined!
I couldn’t have imagined, but God did.
Is there something little—something so insignificant sounding—that God might be nudging you to do today? Are you arguing with Him, giving Him a list of reasons why you shouldn’t do what He has laid on your heart to do? No matter how silly, how small, or how awkward what He is asking is, might I urge you to just do it? You might never know why or what the significance could be to the recipient unless you do. I was so grateful God allowed me to participate in His answer to Sharon’s prayers. What a blessing! How could I have known what a forgotten Bible on my shelf would mean to my sweet friend?
“Give what you have, for you never know—to someone else it may be better than you can even dare to think.” - Henry Wordsworth Longfellow
Dear Lord, Thank You for caring about the details of our lives and answering our prayers so specifically. Thank You also for the times You allow me to be a part of that. Help me to listen when You direct me to do something—no matter how small or insignificant or crazy it might sound to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer
Sanctuary: A Devotional Bible for Women
Visit Marybeth Whalen’s blog
Application Steps:
Is there something God has laid on your heart to do? If so, don’t put it off another day!
Reflections:
Have you ever had something like this happen to you? Did you find out that it blessed the person more than you could have known? Marybeth is going to be discussing this on her blog today if you would like to share your story and encourage others to follow God’s leading.
Power Verses:
Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (NIV)
Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13:3, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (NIV)
© 2008 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Wednesday, 03 September 2008.
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