Last year, my husband and I decided to visit the zoo. When we got to the ticket window, a lady approached me; she was pleasant and friendly. She had several children around her.
“Are you going to buy an adult ticket?” she asked.
Taken by surprise, I asked, “What did you say?”
“Do you need an adult ticket to get into the zoo? Someone gave me one, and I don’t need it.”
I hesitated. “Thank you.” I answered timidly and took the ticket.
Why did I hesitate? Why did I feel something akin to fear?
I’ve asked God these questions, and He led me to the following Scripture.
Acts 20:35 (HCSB)
35 In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
I realized that most of the time I don’t have any trouble giving, especially material and monetary gifts. But I have a huge problem with allowing others to minister to me.
Prayerfully read the following verses.
Matthew 27:55 (HCSB)
55 Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and ministered to Him were there, looking on from a distance.
Matthew 25:36 (HCSB)
36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.’
Philippians 4:10 (HCSB)
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity [to show it].
As Sisters Who Care, I believe that when we read these verses we usually see ourselves as the one doing the giving. Jesus didn’t have an income during the three years that He traveled and taught; others ministered to and supported His needs.
During the era when Paul was in jail, the government didn’t feed and take care of a prisoner. The prisoner was at the mercy of his family and friends. Paul was ministered to by the churches that he had served.
What is at the bottom of not being willing to receive? Pride. Pure old stinking pride.
I don’t want to feel like I owe anyone. I am afraid (which is a form of pride) that the person will talk about me if I accept a gift.
How arrogant to believe that I should have the right to give and then deny others the privilege of giving to me.
I’d like to share three other occurrences of someone giving to me to meet a need.
We’d had a few set backs. I had been praying for God to meet the needs that had arisen as a result of these set backs, but I expected Him to give us work. I didn’t expect Him to meet my need through another.
Within the space of one week, a computer went down, my washer died, unexpected medicine was purchased, and on the last day of that week, my dryer died. We had to go out of town for my husband’s job. I prayed for God to meet our needs. I knew of a washer and dryer combo that was only $50, and I thought maybe He would provide the money so I could purchase the combo. Instead, my son called while we were gone and said that several families had anonymously gone together and purchased us a new washer and dryer.
God is good to us! He provides all of our needs and many things that we want. He delights in giving to His children. Jesus asked us if we thought that God wouldn’t give good gifts to His children. Jesus said, “You like to give good gifts to your children; why would God give you bad gifts?” (Loose paraphrase – Matthew 7:11)
However, Sweet Sister, God has the right to bless us in the way that He chooses. And when He gives, He is working on our character. Teaching us to trust Him. Teaching us of His love and goodness. Using us to grow others.
When I refuse to accept someone’s gift because of pride or fear, I am saying that I don’t trust God to take care of things. I am trying to control.
We have not because we don’t ask. And sometimes we don’t have because we don’t want to receive from others – when all gifts are ultimately from God.
Don’t deny others the joy and blessing of sharing with you. Be thankful and glorify God Who is the Giver of all good gifts.
James 1:17 (HCSB)
17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.
**Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for all the ways you have blessed me all of my life, but thank You for the blessings of the last few months. Forgive my pride and my arrogance. Soften my heart. Help me to be a gracious receiver as well as a gracious giver. I love You so much. Thank You for loving me and looking out for even the smallest of my needs. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
