Most days I love working at World Impact’s thrift store in Wichita, but some days it seems to take every ounce of my energy. A few weeks ago, I had a day when I did not feel like I had what it took to run the store. It was a Tuesday morning and I was discouraged by some overwhelming circumstances, but I got up and went to meet with my prayer partner for breakfast and prayer.
As we sat and shared our hearts he began to tell me about a man in the town where he lives who recently came out of the homeless shelter. This man was able to find an apartment but had nothing to set up housekeeping and wondered if we could help him out with a few things. He sent me a list of items the man needed.
The next day I went to the store and started pulling items from the list. This man really needed a table and chairs but the only thing I had was this skinny table and two chairs. I was very frustrated at what I had to offer this man in a table and chairs, but I loaded it up anyway. I put all the tubs of sheets, towels, kitchen items, toiletries and more in my truck to be delivered later that day.
As my day went on I was convicted to pray for joy. I prayed, “Lord, please fill me with your Spirit and help me to return to joy in You.” It was not until I delivered the items to this man that I really began to see the hand of the Almighty God. As we carried the items into his apartment, which was extremely small, I realized once again why God called me to this ministry. Yes, the man was thrilled beyond measure with all the items we were able to bless him with, but what amazed me the most was that little skinny table and two chairs I was embarrassed to give fit perfectly in the tiny spot. Any other table would have been too big.
Little is much when we place it in the Master’s hand. The man was able to share his story with me and my heart became filled with such joy, and was once again amazed at how the Lord can take our worst days and turn it all into joy.
