A Heart of Generosity: The Obedience of a Teen Girl

As a youth, I was STRONGLY taught by my father (and I STRONGLY teach my own children) a very important lesson Jesus gave: "when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." In our social-media driven society, this has steadily become a forgotten principle as we constantly watch "influencers" posting selfies as they hand out wads of cash to the homeless. Never the less, there are times when something that is beautifully God-driven happens and is worth sharing. While maintaining their anonymity, I believe this particular testimony is something that we can all learn from:

In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, a young teenage girl has shown us all the true meaning of compassion and generosity that only comes from Christ Jesus. Throughout the year, she dedicated her time and effort to sell farm items, such as eggs, and other items in garage sales, saving every penny (even birthday money) for one purpose: missions. Her goal was not for herself, but to support children in need, a calling she felt strongly about.

Listening to the Holy Spirit

After months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, she finally found herself blessed with a modest sum of money that she had diligently saved. This amount, though not extravagant, represented the fruits of her labor, countless hours spent working diligently, and the sacrifices she had made along the way. With a humble heart full of gratitude, she recognized the importance of using this financial blessing wisely and sought guidance on the best way to use these funds.

The advice she received was simple yet important: "Pray about it, and do what the Lord says." This statement resonated deeply within her, encouraging her to reflect on her spiritual beliefs and to listen for the Lord's guidance. She took this advice to heart, understanding that her financial resources could serve a greater purpose beyond her own ideas. As she engaged in prayer, she felt the unmistakable prompting of the Holy Spirit guiding her heart towards a specific area of need that resonated with her own values and passions—helping children who were in dire need.

Two Special Children

We don't always see the blessing we walk into each day...

While accompanying others who were evangelizing and serving those in need, she was Introduced to two children living in a small shack measuring only 6 feet by 7 feet. The cramped space was barely enough for them to sleep, let alone play or store any belongings. The 11-year-old girl and her 9-year-old brother had faced unimaginable hardships that no child should ever have to endure. Their father had been brutally murdered, leaving them in a state of shock and grief, while their mother had abandoned them, leaving them to fend for themselves in a world that seemed cruel and unforgiving.

A Life-Changing Decision

Two children; their home; and surviving on their own...

In that moment, as she observed their fragile state, this young girl felt a surge of empathy and compassion. She knew the answer Immediately. It was clear that these children needed more than just shelter; they needed hope, safety, and a sense of belonging. She resolved to find a way to support them, to bring light into their dark situation, and to help them rebuild their lives, no matter how daunting the task seemed. With the money she had saved, she made the heartfelt decision to give $400 to open a food account through a trusted and Godly leader for the siblings. This account would allow them to receive food weekly, ensuring they had the nourishment they desperately needed. Additionally, they will be constantly checked on by local Christ-followers.

A Lesson for Us All!

Every single face is a picture of God's grace and mercy!

Her selfless act serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make in the lives of others. It's a tremendously powerful reminder of how ANYONE can serve the Lord, regardless of their age! It encourages us to listen to the Holy Spirit and take action, no matter how small we may feel. As our favorite saying goes, "Little is much when God is in it." This young girl’s journey is a beautiful testament to the power of love, kindness, and the willingness to help those in need through listening to the Holy Spirit with a willingness to serve the Lord. Whether she can fully comprehend the magnitude of her decision or not, one thing is forever true: through her obedience, she has literally changed the course of two young lives, and shared a powerful picture of Jesus and the Gospel without uttering one word.