Most of the time
we’re so focused with our own lives that we don’t have the time to think about
others. Life is a cycle. What we do for others God will make sure to do for us.
When we help those in need, we’re depositing into our own future.
Today, my friend
Tyler is hosting his second Pay It Forward event. It will benefit several
charities including Build International Ministries. For those of you who know
Tyler, you know about his Texas-size heart. He is an exceptional chef but his
real mission in life is to help people and expand God’s Kingdom on earth. Every
time I talk to him, he’s got a people project on his mind. He’s an outward
focused young man of God. Today he’s making history by paying it forward by
hosting this fundraiser event. Everybody say, “God bless Tyler!”
One of the
greatest hindrances to helping people is to think we don’t have what others
need. We look at our time, talent and treasure and nod our heads in despair. I’ve learnt, instead of looking at what we
don’t have and giving up, a better approach is to look to God and let him orchestrate
our means to help others. First the decision and then comes the provision.
This is what happened
to my friend Tyler. He had been sharing with some mutual friends of ours to
become the title sponsor for today’s Pay
It Forward event. When he approached our friends they were very open and
willing to help. They’re some of the most generous people. But they have their
limits too. The lady said they’ll help if God brought some extra funds into
their hands. As Tyler was sitting in her office a white envelop slipped out of
her drawer. She had been looking for that envelop for a long time but she
couldn’t find it. She had prayed, “Lord,
if you help me find it, I’ll bless someone with it.” Inside was the exact amount Tyler had
requested for them to be the title sponsor! God
made sure to provide for Tyler and our friends when they made a decision to
help those in need.
I heard a story about
strangers paying it forward to buy coffee and pastries at Starbucks. It started
with just one customer paying for the person behind him. The next customer was
so impressed and thankful that he wanted to do the same. The next customer did
the same thing. An unbroken chain of
forty seven customers paid it forward for the person coming after them. One
customer paid for six drinks in the van after him! Helping people is inspiring and contagious. This is why I’ve
dedicated my life to helping others. For the last twenty seven years, thousands
of people have given their time, talent and treasure to impact eternity. I’m so
grateful to YOU and the lives we’re able to change.
When you become outward focus, God
becomes laser focused on you and your own need. It doesn’t have to be money. One of
the best things we can give to people is our words of encouragement. Bill Gates
(Microsoft) and Steve Jobs (Apple) were frenemies. In the dying days of Jobs,
he received a letter from Gates. Despite their business battles over the years,
they had mutual respect for one another. Jobs cherished Gates’ letter so much
that he kept it by his bedside until he passed away. Friend, you may not have a
lot of resources right now but can you write a letter of encouragement? I have
an “encouragement” file where I keep
all the heart-warming letters and cards I’ve received by mail and emails. When I
feel discouraged I just read three or four of those letters and I get back my
joy and purpose and spring right back to action. Pay It Forward – someday it will come back to you.
Friend, nothing is
more satisfying than living a life of giving. God loved us so much that He gave…
You can give without loving but you can’t
love without giving. Be a part of making an impact in someone's life. God will provide if you make a decision. You don’t have to do anything big.
Like the Starbucks customers, buy someone a cup of coffee. Like Gates, take time
out of your busy schedule and write a heart-warming letter to someone who needs
hope. A small act of giving beats greatest
good intentions. The only Jesus many
will see and experience is YOU. Pay It Forwards – it ALWAYS comes back to
you!
“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold
not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether
both alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 ESV).
Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org
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