“Excuse me, Ma’am, but would you happen to have anything to help a mom of five out?  Our car broke down, and I don’t have any more money to feed my kids.”  the woman’s face was etched with hard-living.

Kendall had been waiting for just such a moment.  She had tucked a $50 bill away in her wallet, knowing that God had called her to “be prepared” to give this up when the moment was right.

She had recently heard a message about the importance of doing  “good works” from a message out of Titus 3.  Following the urging from the speaker, she mentally prepared herself to look for an opportunity to “carefully devote herself to good works” (verse 8).

“I am so excited to meet you today.  God had already prepared me and I have a special gift for you.”  Kendall opened her wallet and extracted the crisp $50 bill and gently placed it in the open hands of the woman.

Here is where the story dims a little.  Kendall revealed to me that the woman, rather than being grateful, looked with scorn at the $50 bill, muttered “Thanks”, and turning, walked away without a backward glance.  Stunned by the ungratefulness of the woman’s response, Kendall struggled with embarrassment.

“Oh, sweet friend,”  I began, “Your generosity and willingness to serve is a beautiful and fragrant offering to the Lord.  He asked you to do this and you joyfully prepared, looking for an opportunity to do good.  But remember that once you give a gift, you are not responsible for the reaction of the recipient.”

I often wonder how many times I’ve responded in this way to God’s bountiful blessings.  Have I “turned my nose up” at something He has graciously given to me?  Was I dissatisfied with the gift, expecting (or demanding) something better?  Although this was an uncomfortable experience for Kendall, it was a very good reminder to me that we are called to “devote ourselves to good works” so that “they will not be unfruitful” (v. 14).  The emphasis is on our own fruitfulness as Believers…not on the response for whom we do the good works.

“Flowers leave some of their fragrance on the hand that bestows them.”  ~Chinese Proverb

Good work is a beautiful picture of a believer.

#goodworks #titus3 #seasonswithmysavior #inthesequietmoments