At a recent Grow with Me gathering, the Holy Spirit revealed a sweet connection He had woven among four of the ladies, to teach and delight them with His generous gifts. Names have been altered so God receives the glory!    

 Their connection began in 2021 when Anna and Bev greeted each other at a Refresher. Bev complimented Anna’s blouse, asking where she bought it. Without hesitation, Anna said, “I want to give it to you.” Bev protested, amazed by Anna’s generosity. At the end of the evening, Anna approached Bev wearing a different blouse, and joyfully handed Bev the blouse she had complimented. What an impact this had on Bev – Anna literally “gave her the shirt off her back!”

 A few months later, Bev was visiting her friend Clara, who had a serious illness. Clara commented on Bev’s sweater, saying she would love to find one like it for her appointments since the doctor’s offices were always so cold. Immediately, Bev recalled Anna’s generosity to her. After a moment of internal conflict, since the sweater was her favorite, Bev obeyed the Holy Spirit’s prompting and joyfully gave her sweater to Clara, who protested until Bev shared the sweet way Anna had modeled that for her.

 Blessed by the gesture, Clara later shared the story with her friend Dana. One day, Dana was wearing her favorite necklace – one she had carefully crafted with personalized charms. A friend repeatedly commented on how beautiful it was and how much she would love a necklace like that. Recalling what Clara had shared, then experiencing that brief moment of internal protest, Dana ultimately decided to take off the necklace and give it to her friend. In that instant, Dana’s heart was filled with joy!

 Recently these Alumni sisters met and recounted the connections. Anna shared that giving Bev her blouse was actually a second chance in obedience. A few years prior, the Holy Spirit had prompted Anna to do the same thing with someone else, but she didn’t obey. Instead of continuing to feel guilty, she asked God for another opportunity to be an obedient giver. Well, not only did He delight in giving Anna another opportunity, He multiplied the blessing! 

What we hold with open hands, God will multiply! 

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,  will be poured into your lap…” Luke 6:38 

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.“ 2 Corinthians 9:10  

Author Anonymous