Inspirational short stories
Faith without
action is dead!
I had just
graduated and started working in the pastorate, married to a wonderful woman, with
two small daughters. We were poor, destitute.
My salary as a junior pastor was minimal; we lived in a house, provided
for by the church and were grateful for this.
My wife Doreen worked at the local school
as a teacher, her salary was also modest.
We never complained and were always grateful for whatever we had to
eat. I remember some nights we had
potatoes and bread or cabbage and bread.
No matter what we ate, Doreen
always served the meal with a smile and gratitude. Although living in severe conditions, we always remained
grateful and happy as a family no matter what occurred.
We were almost
married for seven years and during this time, Doreen being such a humble
person, not once complained or tried to change our circumstances, her faith was
firmly in our Lord, believing he would supply all our needs. It was true, Our Lord always did. Doreen knew
how much I loved the Lord and serving him was the most important factor in my life.
I loved my family and the support they gave me. Her
love and support during my training encouraged me to continue serving the Lord
with all my heart.
Doreen's
birthday was approaching and I desperately wanted to give her a special
birthday present and started saving a few pennies each month. Keeping this small amount of money each month
was tough, feeding the family and
providing for their needs were a top priority.
During this
time, I petitioned the Lord for my request to be met. I read scripture relating to faith and
listened to sermons enthusiastically. I
expected a miracle and I took my entire
savings, two dollars and asked the Lord to multiply this.
Three days
before her birthday, Doreen and I discussed her special day and I asked her what would bring the most joy to
her on this day. Doreen, sitting beside
me, took my hand and looked lovingly into my eyes, told me how much she loved
me and having her having her family over for tea would be wonderful. I wondered where we would find money for cake
and not wanting to take the joy from her, told her I would arrange this.
It was a
pleasant day, the weather was warm, the sun shining and Doreen's birthday had arrived,
she had left for work and the children were at school. I thanked the Lord for the two dollars and
asked for guidance in choosing the best gift I could.
I walked towards
the new mall built about two months ago. I stood near an entrance, not a regular
visitor, wondered what shop to visit. While deciding, I noticed a huge hypermarket advertising
various specials. Standing still
watching the door of this store, I felt guilty. Perhaps my request from the Lord was selfish and
that I should learn to be grateful for all that, I already have. Silently, I asked the Lord to forgive me and
guide me to buy the right gift. I knew
that whatever I had would be sufficient and I knew that the Lord would guide
me.
I entered the
shop, stood still looked around the massive display for a moment, wondering what section I should go to, when a
few people came up to me, with champagne and flowers congratulating me. I was shocked, unsure of what was
happening. After a while, I was told
that I was the millionth person to visit the store since the opening and had won
a gift of ten thousand dollars.
I was astounded,
never in my entire life had I owned that much money. I was speechless for a moment and as I
realized that this was my miracle from our Lord, I said thank you, Lord.
The store staff waited for me to
regain my senses and took me with them to the offices, where I was presented
with a gift voucher for five thousand dollars and the other in cash.
I was shaking,
holding all this money; I did not know what to do with all of this. A very friendly
woman named Dora asked me if she could assist me. I accepted her help and explained to her what
I wanted to do.
I asked for
permission to use the phone and called Doreen's sister Estelle. I asked her to bring her entire family,
Doreen's whole family and friends to our
home late in the afternoon, as I was planning a surprise party. I then called Doreen and asked her what time
she would be home. She said a little
later than usual, as she had to stand in for a teacher who was absent that
day. I said it was fine and looked
forward to seeing her later.
Dora and I
shopped, for about two hours. I bought
the best and most expensive food, with cakes and pastries and all sorts of
delightful goodies. We went to the jewelry counter, found the most exquisite diamond ring with small
rubies on each side, I knew the correct size and bought it. I bought perfume and lots of other
pleasantries.
Dora arranged
transport to my house and helped me organize
everything. After she had left, I went to the church building and spoke
to the senior pastor, offered my tithe on the winnings and gave thanks to the
Lord.
I phoned
Doreen's sister and asked her to come over early to help prepare for the
party. Estelle arrived and we made sure
the apartment was decorated in delightful colors
and that everything was just perfect.
Her parents and family came and
then we waited for Doreen. It was three o'clock when we saw Doreen walking towards the
door. As she opened up the door, we
shouted, surprise. After everyone had wished her, I asked if I could say a few
words, I
handed the ring to Doreen and said, when I
married you, I could not afford such a luxury and now with all my love give this
to you as a token of my love. It was a wonderful party and we all had a great
time. Doreen and I spent the rest of our
winnings wisely on items we actually
needed, we even managed to save a few dollars for a rainy day.
It is good to
believe and have faith in a great God.
Never doubt the greatness of the Lord.
Even when I had waited until the day of the party, without any answer
from the Lord, I showed gratitude and accepted that the best would be done no
matter what the circumstance. Having
faith without action is not trusting the Lord.
Trust the Lord and He will deliver you.
Never doubt no matter what. God
is good; God is good all the time!
