The Secret Giver

A few weeks ago I wrote about a thoughtful “someone” who left Kelli and I sweet gift and a precious Word of encouragement. You can read about it here.

Well, today I am excited to share a story about another anonymous giver. A precious friend of mine has endured some financial struggles. I won’t get into the details, but I will say that they made the decision to downsize their possessions and their home. 

I know this is hard for her.

I remember when they bought the home that they are leaving and how much she loved it. She thanked God for it, treasured it… she said it would satisfy her completely if her children spent all of their childhood there. I also remember that even then, she knew that God gives and He often takes away.

She has always carried that perspective about everything.

Though no doubt her heart aches some, I see her accepting whatever God has for her with open arms… even without some of the things that have made her life comfortable and without that treasured home. Through this I’ve witnessed joy in her eyes as she embarks on a new adventure… and it’s not that she’s hiding her true feelings… on the contrary; she possesses authentic God-given joy.

She inspires me.

Last week she anticipated a call to hear what they would need to pay to move into their new place. She and her husband were in prayer because they didn’t know how they were going to come up with the deposit.

Then the call came. The voice on the phone gave an amount that was even more than they had thought and her heart sank. However, the voice went on to explain… “someone” came by today and paid it all!

Anonymously. 

Before she let the woman go she boldly asked her if she knew the Lord and told her that she has just witnessed Him at work!

My friend hung up and as the tears fell she lifted her hands and her heart up to God in overwhelming praise and thanksgiving for this undeserved gift.

Undeserved… yes. But, given anyway. Accepted humbly… and used mightily to glorify His Holy name.

She has no desire to find out who the secret giver is. She said… “not knowing who it’s from allows me to just give God the glory… to express my thanks to Him and only Him.”

It’s true, even for the giver, you know.

When we give we must confess that there is some small, quiet part within us that desires acknowledgement for our generosity. But, when we give in secret that urge for recognition mysteriously ceases to exist.

Just as the recipient of the anonymous gift lifts up her most heartfelt gratitude to the Lord, the secret giver gets her richest blessings from Him and not from man.

Jesus tells us…

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” –Mathew 6:1-4 NLT

Have you experienced the sweet blessings that come from giving in secret? I confess it’s been awhile for me… I’m challenged to look for and grasp at the next opportunity He reveals to me. What about you?