Heartened by your faithfulness and generosity.

A few of my Christian sisters have really inspired me recently. They have inspired me with their perseverance and practical efforts to exalt the Lord Jesus in their lives and live in obedience to him. Without naming them (and hopefully without puffing them up) I’d like to share the ways in which three friends of different ages have been honouring our great God. Sure, they’re little things. But I reckon little sacrifices are a big deal and make all the difference in handing our hearts over to God more and more fully.

Susan,* aged 13, loves wearing her cross on a chain around her neck everyday to remind her to remember Jesus – something Paul exhorts us to do in 2 Timothy 2:8. Sometimes Susan’s mum worries that by displaying her necklace openly, and talking about why she wears it, will impact her friendships negatively and cause her to be ‘pigeon-holed’. But Susan tells her mum that Jesus is her treasure and that friends don’t trump remembering her Saviour. Good on you, Susan!

Bertha, aged 20, decided to sponsor a child because she wanted to give God’s money – that was under her stewardship – to caring for the poor. Bertha’s mum did not think this the wisest use of her money and suggested she instead save for a deposit on a house. However, Bertha made the decision to trust God, re-read what the bible says about giving in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 and proceeded with the sponsorship, whilst still being kind and patient towards her mum. This encourages me.

Gwyn, aged 22, made the commitment to give as much money to the poor – via a charity organisation of her choice – as she spent on music from a given date forward. She even tweeted about it so as to be held accountable in her decision to spend money in a Kingdom-focused way. This would be hard for Gwyn, because she loves buying CDs and very much enjoys live music. But she prizes God’s justice and the care of the oppressed more highly and for this, Gwyn, I commend you!

*All names in this post have been altered in order to protect the anonymity of these encouraging friends.

Disclaimer: Susan and Bertha’s stories make mums look lame. Mums – and especially their mums – are not lame, however, they too are susceptible to being caught up in the worries of the world and momentarily forgetting that we are heading toward eternity.

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