God Spoke to me on the Radio

 We met in church.

Her clothes were dirty and hair a mess, and it was difficult to understand her when she spoke. My heart went out to her. Yet I admit I was a little wary. I have felt taken advantaged of before.

Despite my fears I began greeting her every Sunday, and I gave her a birthday present once. Maybe that’s what started the phone calls. I don’t remember how I got involved. But every month she calls asking me to buy her specific food items. They aren’t always necessities nor cheap, but I usually oblige when I can. Yet I confess I don’t always do so with tons of grace because I wonder…am I being conned?

 

This happened the other day. Rather than asking me to take her to the store, she just asked (in a slightly demanding way) for me to get the food which I knew meant she wanted me to pay for it too. I had some extra cash and some peace to help though a nagging tiny voice questioned in my head…am I being conned? Despite the negative thoughts I went to the store with her list.

 

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely O Lord….(Psalm 139:4)

 

I hadn’t voiced my concern to anyone, even to God, but He knew.

 I

 know He knew because on the drive home a man giving a short devotion on the radio said, “It is better to give and be conned than not to give and worry about being conned!” I think he was quoting someone, but I don’t know who, and it doesn’t matter because at that moment God spoke audibly through a voice on the radio!

Confirmation. I love when He does that.

God wants us to give. The decision of whether or not to give is not mine to make. I am called to give what I can. The integrity of the one asking for help is not mine to ask.

We are called to give.

The truth is: I have never felt bad about helping someone, but I have grieved the opportunities I’ve passed by someone in need.

Next time she calls, I will not question my decision. I have been freed to give. I hope you have been too.

Much grace,

andy