A Surprise Package in the Mail

 

                It was not the common thing I find in my mailbox.  There amid the bills, letters, and circulars was a note from our mailman saying that I need to go to the post office to pick up and sign for an insured package.  When I picked up the package, I recognized the return address.  It was from a person who lives out of state. We  see her a couple of times of year, and talk to her about once a month.  When I opened the package, I could hardly believe my eyes.  Packed in that package covered with candy canes and ginger bread men was a Thanksgiving card and several hundred dollars in money.  I quickly picked up the phone and called her.  She told me that she wanted me to use that money to help those in need in our congregation and community this Christmas.   You will not find this woman in church on Sundays.  A matter of fact, she works most Sundays and attends church only a few times a year. Despite what this woman wasn't, she gave generously to help people in another state that she does not even know. 

            Cyrus, King of Persia, was not a follower of the Lord God.  Yet, God uses him.  In Isaiah 45:1,4, we read:  "Thus says the Lord, to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and ungird the loins of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed.....For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by name, I surname you, though you do not know me."  God uses King Cyrus to set the Israelites in Babylonian exile free that they might return to their native land. 

            As God used Cyrus who did not know the Lord, so God used that woman and her gift to do His work and will.  That is an important reminder to us of two things.  First, it reminds me that if we are not willing as followers of the Lord to be his instruments, God will and can use someone else. Nothing can and will stop the purposes of God.  Secondly, the fact that God uses even those who do not know him is a reminder to us to be alert for the possibility that God may use unlikely people as his instruments in our own lives.     Think on these things.  Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

 

PRAYER

            O God, we celebrate that you continue to be at work in the world in so many of ways and so many people.  Lord, help us to be alert for the ways you speak to me, and you can use me.  Help me, Lord, to be alert for the ways you touch my life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.