Running Over

Luke 6: 38:  "Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

We wanted to give a gift beyond hospitality to our missionary guests this week.  My husband wrote out a check.  Then I thought, "Maybe they'd like cash since they are Canadians traveling in the U.S."  So we went to the bank and got some $20's and voided the check.

At first I thought the amount my husband had designated was a little too generous (given our recent financial cutbacks).  I was tempted to retain a couple of the bills when I tucked them into the card, but I refrained.

That VERY afternoon, after playing the keyboard for a funeral (my first at this particular church), the pastor apologized that the payment was not in hand.  I had not expected payment!  She said she'd deliver it the next day (Thursday). 

Yesterday she knocked on my front door and delivered a card from the family.  I opened it and found one bill, the exact amount of the gift we had given our friends!  Later in the day, my husband and I were discussing it.  He said the amount was unusually generous.  (He is a pastor, and sometimes does not receive this amount for his services at a funeral!)  Also, the payment is often made by check.  This one was cash.

Glory to God! The message couldn't have been plainer or more personal!  "Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Oh for grace to trust Him more!