A few days ago a bridge that I take to work was closed for construction, forcing me to take an alternate route. This alternate route I found was one that forced me to drive by some of Fort Worth's homeless population. Instead of being scared to drive by them, I found myself just wanting to get out of the car and give them a hot meal or take them home to get them out of the cold.
Then I caught myself buying frivolous items. A cute mug here, an adorable calendar there. Within a few days I realized that I could actually help these people that can't help themselves a lot more if I could be more disciplined in my spending.
And honestly, I was happy to leave it at that. (I know, what a terrible thought, but I wanted to be honest.) But then the Lord directed me in His word and to a few blogs that featured women doing something known as The Contentment Challenge. My first thought was, "good for them", and I had no intention of participating in it (because, I mean, my husband and I are moving to another apartment soon, and goodness knows I may need to buy some more throw pillows!).
After a few days I realized that God had a different plan in store. He started pressing on my heart and forcing me to look around at all the silly little items that "I just had to have" . And you know what, those items didn't seem that necessary anymore when compared to being able to buy someone a warm meal, a blanket, a coat.
For quite a while I have felt my life would be wonderful if I could just have _____. Then I would get whatever it was and by the time it was in my hands, I would already be eyeing something else that would determine my life's happiness.
But it's time for that to stop.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." | Philippians 4:12
So here it goes: for the next 3 months I will not be spending any money on items I want. I will still buy groceries, gifts for friends, and other necessities. But I will not be going into Target for milk and walking out $200.00 poorer. This challenge will start February 6, 2015 and will continue until May 6, 2015. Part of this goal is to teach me to be content whatever the circumstances, and part of it is to see how much more God can do with our income (and how much stuff I actually can live without). I have talked about this with my accountability partner and she will help me through this process, but just in case anyone else has felt this way, I wanted to encourage others to try The Contentment Challenge. For some it may be to not spend for 1 week, or maybe for 1 year. Whatever time frame it may be, God will show you amazing things. & I can't wait to see what all he teaches me in this process. (For the guidelines, check out Nancy Ray's post: The Contentment Challenge
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' Then the King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' " | Matthew 25: 37-40
I don't want to be at Heaven's gates and have to say to my Savior that I chose a cute candle over clothing His children. Or a Pottery Barn bedspread over feeding orphans. I want to be at Heaven's gates and hear "Well done, my good and faithful servant." I want to be faithful to what God has called me to do, and be a good steward of the gifts He has given.
"but maybe not, not today, maybe You'll provide in other ways. & if that's the case...we'll give thanks to You with gratitude, for lessons learned in how to thirst for You"
