“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all.”
— Gal. 6:9-10a
This is NOT a lesson about tithing! This is a story about an amazing God who hears when we speak to Him, who desires to love us, teach us, and bring us into fellowship with Him in our lives – in every area!
I was two days into what seemed like the longest trip I had ever made (my choice to take my time) from east to west when a text alerted me that my check had been deposited in the bank. For years now, since I have been moving around and traveling, I have made it a habit of giving my tithe at the current church I attended, although there were times when I continued to tithe at a place I no longer resided, for the most part it would be the current church. And, while I always went looking at churches immediately upon arrival to a new place, it takes a few visits sometimes to know which one I would settle into one. While I was searching, if I happened to get paid, I would take the money out and hold it in an envelope until I was seated for a couple of services and confirmed that that would become the home church. To be honest, at times I would forget to take the money out and that always frustrated me later, so I made sure the money came out of the bank immediately.
On this day, in the middle of the Texas desert, that was not possible. I prayed, “God, please don’t let me forget to take out $112.00, my tithe, as soon as I get there and hold it separate so it does not get spent, you know how much I hate when I do forget!” I know tithing is a personal issue, but for me it is about honoring God. I have been through some pretty crazy things in my life, but when I give back to Him it reminds me that He always, always has my back and I wouldn’t have anything (it is all His) to give without Him! And I also believe you should place your tithe where you are being fed. And so, it went. The prayer – the travel – the tithe.
A year ago, I would have already been at my destination but with my recent knee surgery I had to take my time, stop over nights, and get out often. Along that long stretch of I40, from Oklahoma City through Texas and into New Mexico there are always Loves Travel stops, just about every 200 miles or so. I have no doubt the company did their research on how far apart they should be for the weary travelers in need of their services; they are right on time – not too close and not too far. I stopped at every one of them and as expected there was always a sojourner at the pumps, out of gas and asking strangers for help. A dollar here, ten dollars there and after a while, well, you just get annoyed, and your thought becomes why are you traveling if you don’t have enough money to get where you are going? But God, I always say to myself, but God – I give what I can.
After a particularly long day of beggars and giving I had become weary of it. I was just finishing filling up when I was approached by a young middle eastern woman with an infant on her hip. I saw her in my peripheral passing up a dozen other pumps and people pumping gas, and I thought, why me? This place is so crowded how in the world did you hone in on me, oh good Lord why me? In her not so good English, she said her family was in need, they were trying to get to Florida, would I please help. Before I could even sigh an annoyed sigh, I heard the Lord say, “don’t stop now, give, give more, give til it hurts, give it all.” Well it was hurting now God! I smiled a sheepish grin like a child caught by his mother trying to sneak a second helping of dessert and turned to face her and ask where her car was. She pointed to a van (of course it had to be a van! Why not a mini co0per?). I know God has got me in it now, but I am still annoyed!
Their van was a couple of bays over. It was super busy and people were waiting on pumps and I didn’t want to hold up them up so I told her I would be right there to get her some gas as soon as I was done. I finished up, pulled out of the way and reached in my wallet to pull out my emergency cash (I mean it seemed like an emergency since I had nothing left, besides, He said all). I grabbed my debit card and happily bounced (facetious) over to her pump. As I swiped my card and started the pump, I noticed the other two children hanging on the door. The father was hanging back as though I would not help if I knew there was a man in the family. Well, you apparently do not know my God. My heart was pricked. I put the cash in her hands and said, “I’m sure you and your family could use something to eat too” I said, “God bless you and keep you” recited a little prayer and went on my way – the pump was still running – it felt good…it always brings joy to be obedient.
One exit up on the interstate and the enemy had convinced me of how stupid that was and that I had better go back. Now they had my card number (how?) and were going to drain my bank account and leave me stranded at a pump begging for gas! He got the better of me – questioned my sanity, stole my joy. I turned around and went back.
Pulling in the parking lot of the still busy Loves Travel Stop I passed the sojourners van pulling out. The man was driving the van and an older child (that’s four hungry, tired kiddos), a teenage boy, sat in the front passenger seat. He was laughing and talking to his dad and smiling from ear to ear. He had a big fat subway sandwich in one hand and a giant drink cup in the other. I had a glimpse of a childhood memory of the prized tacos for a birthday dinner – how grand!
Oh, I hope they didn’t see me – I felt so ashamed -where was my faith! This was not my first time to give all, but it was my first time to doubt my Jesus over it.
Just at that moment a text from the bank with the gifted charge to my debit, $111.93 – I continued my journey across the desert in awe of how quickly and efficiently God had answered my prayer about my tithe – sheer awe – awe! It’s ALL His we cannot question where/when/how, just give – and trust! I drove along with a repentant heart, and a joyful song!
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
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