WAYS TO GIVE

A couple of months ago, you challenged the church to step up in our serving and obedience to the Lord. I specifically remember feeling a tug at my heart during that moment. It was the first time I felt God has ever given me direction. He tapped me on the shoulder and said, “he’s talking to you!” Two days prior to that service I was laid off from my job. I had worked for the company for 7 years, but the executives had decided to shut down the entire division. I had recently moved halfway across the country for this position and was now far from family support and without work. I left service that day feeling lost and confused. What was I going to do about work? What direction was my life going? And what was God trying to teach me?

Laundry love was going on that night and I decided to participate. This evening in particular was quite difficult as the owner of the laundrymat had grown frustrated with our initiative. He felt he was missing out on money because people were waiting in anticipation for our services. He even yelled at me in anger. I remember feeling nervous but I tried not to let it show. As I dropped quarters in the machines and fellowshipped with the residents of Chatsworth, I felt an overwhelming joy. Bertha, one of our regulars, ran up to me and greeted me with a big hug and smile so thankful that we were there to help her out. It was then I realized what God wanted me to do. He wanted my trust and obedience by completely giving into Him with my time and finances. I thought to myself, “Lord I have plenty of time to give you, but I’m a little strapped on cash. I just lost my job ya know and Cali isn’t known for having the lowest unemployment rate.” Then I felt the tug again.

When my manager was delivering my severance package, an unexpected bonus was included based on last year’s performance. I decided this would serve as my act of faith. Writing the check was not easy. I had no idea when I would get another paycheck. What happens if I can no longer make ends meet? I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t my money to begin with. It all belonged to Him and I was only managing it. I began putting my complete trust and faith in the Lord. I served at every opportunity I could and continued to tithe faithfully. This is when it all started to change! Giving up everything for Him given me back everything and more! Serving at church and becoming involved with Freedom made me a part of a family! The Lord blessed me with beautiful genuine friendships that I never had before! Over the holidays the Lord blessed me with a new job that I love! (And it even pays more than the previous one.) Through an accounting error, I was paid out my old vacation time…system glitch or something bigger? During my unemployment, I was challenged to take several leaps of faith and with every single leap, He was right there to catch me.

I have never felt so unbelievably blessed! I am part of a caring supportive church family…I have developed amazing friendships…and I have a job that I thoroughly enjoy. I know I couldn’t have done this without God…I know because I’ve tried. I am convinced it’s when you step out in faith and give Him your everything, that He will surround you with His love and your blessings will multiply.

Sincerely,
Vickie