"If I don't pay the money, they're going to evict me!  The kids and I won't have anywhere to stay!  I promise--I'll pay you back!"  He pleaded.

     With a reputation as one who doesn't repay his debt, Carl had already tried a few other friends--but to no avail; they were well aware that his meager salary was insufficient to support his family and repay the money he owed.  A second job was out of the question for as a single parent, he needed to be home when his children arrived from school.

     Based on my past experiences with Carl, I understood the so called trust issues regarding lending him money and why friends were now turning their backs on his financial needs.  But my attitude regarding the situation was different for I had walked in  his shoes and completely understood how it felt to be in such a predicament.  It is possible that during my own struggle, individuals viewed me  in the same manner as they now viewed Carl.  But, now that I was on my feet, I no longer lived from paycheck to paycheck; things have taken a turn for the better.  How well I recall the events of the day my life changed!

     "I am going to the village; do you want to come along?" he asked.  My fatigued body needed rest and quiet time.  I longed for an opportunity to reflect on the events that had brought me to this dismal point in life and to meditate on God's Word.

     "No, I prefer to stay home," I told him, and he left. Shortly after his departure, I began to relax and fell asleep--only to be awakened by a loud pounding on the front door.  My first reaction was to ignore the noise and go back to sleep, but curiosity got the best of me and I decided to look into the matter.  From an upstairs window, I had a clear view of the stranger who stood outside.  An attractive woman dressed in fine garments stood there alone.    I wondered who she might be and what she wanted.  Reluctantly, I went downstairs and opened the door.

     "I  have traveled all the way from Philadelphia," she began.  I lived in Philadelphia during my college years and welcomed an update on some of the happenings in the City of Brotherly Love.  But, her message was quite different.  She added, "I'm a missionary, and I'm looking for a woman  who shares the Word of God."  A chill ran down my spine because that's when I knew that the Lord had answered my prayers.  The woman had come for me.

     Growing up in a Christian home was ideal for me.  As a young child resting in the quiet of my room, I read and meditated on Biblical scriptures and prayed--not only for myself, but for others as well.  My relationship with the Lord was deep, and I studied His Word.

    One day, I watched my father prepare a sandwich for a hungry stranger who came to our door.  The man ate the meal so rapidly that I was amazed that he did not choke.  Afterwards, he asked if he could drink water from the garden hose that was coiled nearby.  His request was denied, and instead Daddy gave him a cool drink from our fridge.  When the man's hunger was satisfied, he went on his way.

     Daddy was a strong role model, and his actions had a tremendous impact on me; I learned to be attentive to the needs of others as well as experiencing the joy of giving.   First John 3:17 (NIV) asks--If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

     In the days when neighbors played an active role in disciplining children, my parents were quickly informed whenever my behavior conflicted with their expectations.  Back then, I detested the consequences of my disobedience, but as an adult I am grateful for the guidance that my parents provided.  Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) says to--train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. 

     The church I attended blessed me with friends who could understand the boundaries that my parents established for our household because they lived by the same standards.  These friends also experienced peer pressure at school similar to my own.  There was no guessing on our part regarding our parents' expectations for they were predictable; everything was clearly defined.  There was solid structure in the home, and that simplified my life.

     Never before had I seen the missionary who arrived at my door that day, but she came when I was in the midst of overwhelming difficulties.  Although tempted, I knew better than to focus on the intensity of my situation--and instead rejoiced in the power of God to remove all obstacles from my path.  When the stranger arrived, I was expecting a word from God; so when she told me who she was, I knew that the Lord had sent her.

     That day, I received tremendous encouragement for the missionary assured me that the Lord had heard my prayers, and I should continue waiting on Him; these words were refreshing to my spirit as Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) tells us that the Lord will renew the strength of those who wait on Him.  With this in mind, I knew that I had received incredible counsel that day.  After delivering this message to me, the woman left, and I never saw her again.

     In the days that followed, I kept reminding myself that in the Lord's time my specific needs would be provided--for First John 5:14-15 (NIV) states, This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we  know that He hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we ask of Him.  I took these words to heart and asked the Lord for precisely what I needed. 

     In time, I was offered employment that paved the way for me to start over; then a wealth of new and exciting opportunities began to emerge.  I relocated, purchased a home in a caring community, and united with a loving church family.  The Lord had truly blessed me!

     "Yes, I can let you have the money," I told Carl.  Proverbs 28:27 (NIV) states--He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.  But he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

     Anthony phoned me within minutes to put me on the alert.  Carl had asked  him for the money, and since Tony had turned Carl down, he was convinced that I was next on Carl's list.  He reminded me that Carl does not repay loans and becomes quite arrogant when creditors call.  I was caught off-guard, and for a moment I hesitated to speak.  When I regrouped, I did not tell Tony that I had already granted Carl's request; I just thanked him for cluing me in--and our conversation ended.

     As I placed the rent money in Carl's hand, I knew that I had gained far more than I  had given for Psalm 41:1 (KJV) states--Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.  We all have times of trouble, and we all need a deliverer.  Only the Lord can do this for us--as there is no other that is able.

     Carl's poor credit history became insignificant in my decision to help him for Second Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) states--But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Written by Gloria Ayot-Cross, Ph.D., February 2008      

Copyright © 2008 Gloria Ayot-Cross

All Rights Reserved.

NIV: New International Version of the Bible

KJV: King James Version of the Bible