February 22, 2016
Dear Friends,
Today I share my story with you…may it inspire you as you enter this new week with thanksgiving in your heart of what God has entrusted you with.
What comes to mind when you hear the words “Don’t let money make you funny”?
I was driving on the N1 towards Cape Town recently and as I sped past a man walking with a cripple leg on the highway, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to stop. A precious friend was with me in the car and we both felt led that it was the right thing to do. As the man climbed in, he greeted us friendly and suddenly burst out in tears. He was traumatized by a mugging he’d just experienced a short while back. They robbed him of his belongings, yet being desperate to reach his wife in the hospital, nothing stopped him to walk the many kilometers, even if it meant endangering his own life on a busy highway.
As we pulled up in front of the hospital, this man who was an atheist just 7 months ago but now a reborn, asked if we could pray together. Never once did he ask for money, yet I asked him how much a bus ticket would cost to get him back home to Rawsonville. This amount was exactly what was available between my friend and myself – In fact it was the very last money we possessed. Without blinking an eye the both of us knew this man needed it more than what we did, even if it meant that I’d not be able to fill up my own car with fuel until God provided again. Then suddenly a power came over the man and boldly he started prophesying over Branden and myself.
I was astounded and yet so chuffed that God would use a man in his needy position to bless us both with word – mine not new to me, but greatly needed by me to hear again. In fact his name is Pedro, meaning ‘steadfastness’ (rock) which makes it even more profound, because when God gives a word, even if it takes long to come true, we need to stay steadfast in faith ! Well, as he climbed out, and as part of the prophecy, he no less than three times said to me, “Don’t let money make you funny”.
So, dear brother and sister what comes to mind when you hear these words?
Yes, this could be a warning not to be prideful, stingy, uncompassionate – but have you ever thought that it could also refer to a situation where God lays it on your heart to help someone, but because that person might have an unfavourable attitude, you suddenly change your mind and withhold what you wanted to give ? What is it that counts ? Is the determining factor not to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit instead of being led by our own emotions ? Have we ever thought of ourselves in the needy person’s shoes? Why is it that it seems those who have lost much tend to be far greater givers than those who have so much? It’s sad. We can never out-give that what God has entrusted us with. When we act as stewards of that what actually belongs to Him, He blesses us when we least expect it. So what it my fuel tank is a bit lower ? If God said, “give” even if it’s my last, then it’s because He sees no need for me to drive around for a day or two – or He might just provide again in another awesome way. It’s for Him to decide.
I bless you with the love of the Lord, in thankfulness of this experience the Father so divinely changed from what started off as a mess into a message.
Love in Him
Rishon
