Pastor’s Note: With the turmoil in the world today and especially in the Nation of the U.S. it is often the topic of conversation among Christians about the hard times that appear to be about to face us. Yet God, in His graciousness and mercy has shown us through His Scripture in story AND examples that He will ALWAYS care for His children and especially when it comes to their needs. Here is an example that was sent via email many years ago as a way to encourage believers during the Y2K threat that so many were fearful of. God took care of His children then; He certainly won’t forget them just because it is a new era. God’s plans WILL unfold, and His children will be the beneficiaries of His perfect will being accomplished. So be encouraged and be blessed by this true story.

“The word of the Lord came to him, (Elijah) saying, ‘Go away from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan.  And it shall be that you shall drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.’  So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan.  The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook.” – 1 Kings 17:2-6 (NASB).

Herman Brown went into business in 1909, building roads in the Texas Hill Country.  He worked hard and faithfully, becoming a foreman and then a contractor.  Political patronage and legal connections brought him a road-building contract.  Having borrowed to the limit to finance a project, he found himself broke when rains made further work impossible.  He couldn’t even afford feed for his mules.  At that point a local merchant gave him feed on credit.  Years later when Brown was a successful contractor, he heard that the merchant had gone broke in the Depression and lived in poverty.  Within a few days the old man received a check in the mail big enough to erase money worries for the rest of his life.  His kindness had been remembered.

We never know when a kindness shown will become a kindness returned.  Given the seemingly irrational circumstances of life, any of us could someday be the object, not the origin, of the generosity we now express.  Those who faithfully help others in their distress seldom lack help in their own.  We need to remember that when we give as unto the Lord, not expecting return, He becomes our source; and His supply is limitless.  God Bless!

From an email circulation years ago. Author Unknown.