The serendipity effect
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven…But when you give to those in need, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:1, 3-4.
One of my spiritual gifts is helping. Although it comes naturally to me, I am not always attentive to others around me who might need help. I am focused on getting things done on my schedule, but I often wonder what blessings, opportunities, or rewards I am missing out on because of it. When I do listen and am obedient to the Holy Spirit, God shows up and shows off in a special way.
On one of my hospital visits, I was walking to the parking lot, and I saw an elderly lady carrying two heavy bags as she struggled to walk. I stopped and asked her if I could help her. She didn’t hesitate to say yes and immediately reached for my arm with a smile. As I was introducing myself, she said, “I know who you are! I know your mom!”
As I walked her to her car, she shared that she was there visiting her sister, who is battling cancer. I asked for permission to visit her, and she was right next door to the person I was currently visiting. It was no coincidence; it was meant to be!
I found it interesting that, although she didn’t know me personally, she knew my mom, and this put her at ease when she accepted my help and was even vulnerable enough to share about her burden. She was very appreciative of the help, and when she got into her car, she said, “I will tell your mom!” I smiled. I had not heard those words since childhood. And those words had a different meaning growing up and were often said, when I had gotten into trouble! Lol
Later that week, on my next hospital visit, I checked up on her sister and prayed for her, and she happened to be there as well. It meant a lot to both of them. And I do believe that God often provides us with opportunities to help and encourage those in need, and it brings us a sense of peace.
I do see a pattern of how mysterious God works when it is a heart response; you do things without thinking it through, and God rewards in a way one doesn’t expect. Again, I don’t do these things to receive the approval of others or for my mom to be proud of me or love me anymore than she already does. She loves me for who I am to her. She is proud of me regardless of what I do. But it warmed my heart that she said she would tell my mom. The same with God, He doesn’t love us any more than He already does. However, our response to the need testifies that our heart is in the right place.
When I share stories, my goal is not to gain anything or accept the response from those around me but rather to see how God invites or chooses to work through us when we let him.
Just like God opened my eyes to see the blessings I might be missing out on, I want to challenge you this week to be diligent and see the needs around you. I am looking forward to hearing this from you. Through this, let's give God the honor and glory He deserves.
Serving Him Together,
Grimelda Sanchez