If anyone at your house complains about leftovers, just refer them to the Bible account of the miraculous feeding of 5,000 men – plus the women and children. After dinner Jesus said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” (John 6:12 NIV)
Back in the 1970s, Wilma and I were members of a church where we needed financing for a large project. The plan was to get a number of people to sign a note to back an unsecured loan. I was assigned the task of asking several men to sign the note. One of the men I asked said he would rather not sign. I reported that to my leader and said I didn’t know why this individual wouldn’t sign. He said, “I don’t know, but the Lord has done so much for me, I’m not going to question it.” At the time my leader was older and much wiser than I. He understood that we are responsible to present opportunities – not to control the response.
After spending a couple of hours trying to get my 14-year old Mac 3200 chain saw to run, I went online looking for a source for help since McCulloch has gone out of business. What I found was a blog site wherein people railed about the same kind of problems I was having. Among the many ‘blogifications’ this one jumped out at me. “I have a missionary friend in the mountains of Old Mexico who has a 1979 McCullough chain saw. (short bar) Does anyone know what the model name would be for that saw and where to get parts?” Remember when we thought about stopping the whining? That commentary brought to a screeching halt the whining about my saw troubles.
Someone says, “Every time I get some spare cash, something comes up and I have to spend it.” Here’s another view: Every time something unexpected comes up, I have the money to pay for it. It’s a matter of perspective.
When something bad happens, many of us are prone to ask, “Why me?” We should work on correcting that response. The real question is, “Why not me?” I’m no better than anyone else. The words from this old song describe all of us who believe…
“Only a sinner – saved by grace,
Only a sinner – saved by grace.
This is my story – to God be the glory.
I’m only a sinner – saved…by…grace.”