To continue working and ministering in Uganda through the nonprofit organization I launched in 2009 called Tukutana, I recently had to raise a considerable amount of funds in a short period of time. Amazingly—despite the struggling economy—after my need was shared by e-mail, the donations poured in and my entire quarterly goal was met in less than 48 hours!
Experiencing God’s provision in such a dramatic way reminded me of the truth found in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty to share with others.”
It was not only the happy outcome, however, that made me reflect on God’s Word. Throughout the fundraising process, I received many “No’s” that pointed me to Scripture as well.
One person, for example, wrote, “We are disappointed to not be able to contribute to this part of God’s work right now.” Another added, “Again, we love what you’re doing and can’t help, but wish that we could lend a hand to support you. Yet, we know the Lord has led us to give ourselves to these other ministries and so we can joyfully decline and know that He will raise up others to accomplish His purposes.”
Indeed, as these friends expressed, whatever ministry you and I are a part of is simply a slice of God’s vast work around the world. I’m thankful for this reminder and for friends who, though unable to participate financially in my work, still took the time to send encouraging notes that were bathed in honesty and affirmation.
From them, the value of “wise words” (Proverbs 18:4, 31:26) rang true to my soul and challenged me—as I hope it will you—to bathe our “No’s” in kindness and encouragement.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 11:1-18
More:
Proverbs 16:24 says, “Kind words are like honey.” How have you experienced the benefit of kind words recently?
Next:
Handwrite a letter to thank someone for his or her friendship, encouraging that person to press on or expressing a quality you admire about him or her. How did Jesus use “wise words” to inspire specific people He met?
jstabel on October 25, 2011 at 1:23 am
There are still no alternatives to kind words spoken at the right time and right place,either in grieving,encouragement or happy times.Bless the Lord for this reminder.
roxanne robbins on October 25, 2011 at 11:00 am
I fully agree, jstabel, and pray my words will become increasingly timely and edifying.
GChoo on October 25, 2011 at 11:51 am
Roxanne, thank you for your reminder on how to be wise with our words.
We live in a world that encourages everything to be done in split seconds that we sometimes unknowingly become impatient and frustrated when things didn’t go our way. Take for example, an article, months back, in a newspaper reported about a survey that most people would become impatient when they have to wait for 6 minutes in a queue and would complain when more than that. And just weeks ago in a London supermarket, i witnessed a middle aged woman bulging into a 1st year student shopper who was trying her best to off load her shopping on the floor to put back the trolley. The student politely told her to just be a little patient. Unfortunately, the impatient woman felt irritated and harshly told her off. There was an exchange of words with both going away feeling terrible. It is just sad to see such situations when even taking a minute more can make a person to lash out unnecessarily. I suppose that is the problem facing a big city??- life can be hard and isolated.
As christians, we have to constantly keep in mind God’s wisdom and remind ourselves to be wary of what comes out of our mouth – may it be ‘wise words’.
bearpair on October 25, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Good words, Roxanne, conveying good truthes–thanks! We now find ourselves in the same situation as many of your “no’s”; however, we believe firmly that, while some are called & equipped to “give” monetarily, others are called & equipped to “pray” that God will provide through those who can give. Hope fully some of your “no’s” also expressed that same giftedness. 🙂 BTW, we would love to know more of your Tukutana ministry. Terry & Pat
roxanne robbins on October 25, 2011 at 3:08 pm
This morning in Uganda (before this post was up), I encountered about a dozen little boys cutting across a parking lot. We greeted each other then they came to my car to talk. Dressed in raggedy uniforms, they’d all attempted to go to school that morning but had been sent away because they hadn’t paid their school fees. I wanted to help each boy on the spot but couldn’t. I asked if I could pray with them for God to provide their fees and they happily replied “yes!” After we prayed, the boys clapped their hands with total confidence that God will provide for them.
I can’t personally help every child I encounter but I can pray and be kind even when I can’t give financially.
I hope I cross paths with the boys again so I can learn how God’s taking care of them and so we can continue our friendship even though today I wasn’t able to help them financially.
{Pat & Terry my website is http://www.tukutana.org. I designed the site myself so it’s pretty amateurish. Hoping to upgrade it soon. Blessings!}