You are God’s Hands Extended
Seeds of generosity that you sow at My behest will reap an extraordinary harvest of favor, grace, and prosperity. Give with an open heart and without expectation of gratitude or reciprocation. Be My hand extended and take no credit for yourself, says the Lord. Only then will you reap the benefits of kindness. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Marsha Burns)
This word came across my desk just after my daughter and I returned from a day of shopping.
We had decided to take some time and have a fun day. It had been quite a while since we did anything outside of work, therefore we were looking forward to a day out.
While pulling up to a stop light, we noticed a young man, sitting on the side of the road, with a sign. The sign said, “Hungry, please help.” He was a young man, in his twenties. He had long locks of hair and the saddest look I have ever seen on his face. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelming compassion for him.
Yet, I know the first thing that captured both our attention was the fact he looked exactly like Jesse. Jesse is my brother who went to be the with the Lord a few years ago. This young man, apart from his long hair, could have been Jesse’s twin. They looked so much alike, it took both our breath away.
As our vehicle came to a stop, Breanne asked, “what do we do?” I responded, while digging through my purse for cash, ” I guess we give him some money for food.”
This young man looked so sad and beaten down. I took money out of my purse and handed it to Breanne. She rolled down her window and said, “Here you go buddy.” He slowly stood up, took the money, and said, “thank you, God bless.” 
We drove away. But this young man didn’t leave our thoughts. Frankly, it was all we could do to not break down and have an ugly cry.
There was such a hopelessness on him, that it was tangible. He was so young, maybe in his 20’s or so. How does hopelessness happen so early in life? Where is his family? How did he get here? All these questions ran through my mind.
It never ceases to amaze me how you can come across someone in life for mere seconds, yet it changes you forever. This day was one of those.
When I arrived back home, this word from Marsha Burns was in my email box.
Be God’s hand extended.
It was confirmation to me.
For years we have prepared and handed out bags to the homeless, doing our best to be God’s hand extended in the world. That’s not the only thing we do, of course, but it is one of my favorite things.
Today, partners, I want to thank you for helping us be God’s extended hand in so many ways. As you sow your generous seed this month, know that you are being just that, an extension of God’s giving, loving hand.
And we are praying for you to receive your … extraordinary harvest of favor, grace, and prosperity.
We can make a difference in this world. One person at a time. We can move mountains for the hurting, you and I working together. Thank you for being a part of that. We are blessed to be able to extend God’s love to others – as we minister together as one…you and I. To God alone be all the glory
May God richly bless you.
