The Lord's Purse
When on furlough speaking around various groups and churches, I often spoke about the difference in riches and poverty materially between Egypt and the UK.
One day I told how one young woman did not have enough money to buy proper shoes. She was slightly built and had special feet which needed broader shoes which were too expensive. This youngster of about nineteen years old, Belle (not her real name), had many brothers and sisters, the eldest being disabled, her father also with health problems and unable to work.
Being the third eldest Belle worked to provide for the family and every penny she earned went to her mother. The work was hard and demanding but she always had a smile and lots of love to give and she worked in rubber "shib-shibs", (flip-flops) because they were cheap and fitted her feet.
After I had told a church group about this dear child of God, a man came to me afterwards and said: "This is my last five pounds until I get paid, could you please give it to Belle and tell her it is from Jesus?" Of course I said I would and kept it for her. Although money was sometimes donated, it was usually to the various organisations with which we were involved and not available for individuals, so this was an important gift.
When we returned to Cairo there was also a letter waiting with a cheque for ten pounds which the giver wrote was "from the Lord's purse and you will know what to do with it". Immediately we knew this was for Belle's new shoes and put it with the five pounds to give to her. We had spoken of some new shoes previously, but she had firmly refused to take money from me saying that it had to be Jesus who provided.
At the first opportunity to talk with Belle privately I brought up the subject of shoes again. She said that "Yassua" (Arabic for Jesus) provided her with everything, and when He wanted she would have the shoes.
"Did you ask Him about shoes?" I asked.
"Of course. I ask Him for everything." She replied.
I tried to explain that the money which was available was not from me but from others who not only wanted to bless a sister in Christ, but also enjoy the blessing of giving to another. No way!! I couldn't persuade her. I prayed silently and remembered the phrase used in the letter: "from the Lord's purse". I showed her the letter which was in my bag (written in English which she couldn't understand) and pointed out the words:
"Look Belle - 'from the LORD's purse'."
"Oh yes", she said, "I see. Let me see again, what does it say? 'From-the-Lord's-purse.'" She said, pointing a finger at each word. "It must be all right then. It is meant for me."
Belle took the fifteen pounds* Sterling, bought herself shoes and wore them every day for work. She would point to them and give thanks to 'Yassua'.
Often, I wonder what Belle would have done if the givers had not been inspired by God in the giving and ready to give Him the glory. Truly I do not think she could have been persuaded. Sometimes our choice of words are careless and our giving is cheap but these two dear people gave when it hurt with careful words and although I don't go altogether go along with the current trend in prosperity teaching, I sincerely pray they will reap a blessing.
*Approximately £75Egyptian at that time and enough to purchase good shoes.
Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." NKJV
Isaiah 11:4
4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor,
And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; NKJV
Matthew 5:5-8
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. NKJV
!Glory to God!
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