A guest speaker told a story last Sunday that really ‘hit’ me:
Many, many years ago, there was a beggar in Chicago who dressed in filthy rags and ate out of the trash, like many beggars do. Eventually, he rented an apartment for $3.00/month, but still, he went out every day dressed in rags to find his meals in the trash and beg on the streets.
Then came the day when his neighbors realized that he hadn’t come out. They banged on the door, but got no response. Finally, the police came and broke down the door.
He was dead.
And around his waist was a belt with $23,000.00.
He was that day’s equivalent of a millionaire, yet he was a beggar because he did not truly understand the value of what he had.
How many times are we the same as that beggar? The Creator who made everything that exists with the power of His voice… the God of all the universe… the Lord of Lords and King of Kings… our Savior… has given us 1,522 promises. Yet still, we feed ourselves with trash. We beg, because we do not understand the value of what we already have.
I think we need to ask God for things less, and revelation more…
That’s a very good thought. That’s the biggest case for actually reading and getting to know the Bible. Eveything He has said and has is in there! My pastor recently said that a good test to know how much Scripture you really know (IE: have inside you) is how much you can quote. That’s a good judge! Some have an easier time memorizing than others, but anyone can hide God’s word in their heart. And then we’ll know the things freely given us by God. 🙂
I thought also about not using what we’ve been given out of fear. Fear of failure, of losing “what we’ve worked so hard for” thinking we could never get it back. I bet the guy did understand how much money it was, but was afraid of losing it. Beggars all have lost something in the past, all were born to a mother at least, and I bet it was out of fear that he squirreled the money away. Just a thought. Great story! Loves,
-David
Hi Katie,
I found you through RWC. I, too, am a Christian romance writer. I enjoyed your blog. Thanks for sharing!
Katie,
I’m very encouraged by reading your blog today. I just stumbled upon it and it’s a blessing to read what you have to say.
I really liked your previous post as well, and found it encouraging what you said about how you didn’t have time to think about whether you had the faith and all the things that bog us down.
It’s great to be reminded of God’s power… he really does work miracles every day and it’s so easy to forget (and to worry that he’s not going to).