She Can't Speak

Matthew 25:40 The King (God the Father) will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these (sisters) of mine, you did for me."

It was an ordinary morning.  I rushed to and fro like a typewriter in perpetual motion. Start the laundry.  Wash the breakfast dishes.  Tidy the family room.  Gather the dirty clothes.  Back and forth from one line of work to the next.

I had not even brushed my teeth or ran a comb through my hair.  In fact, my hair was piled in a floppy bun on the top of my head that appeared too small for my body which disappeared in my over-sized pajamas.  My morning routine was suddenly halted by the sound of my phone.  My ringtone is the pleasant strumming of a guitar but an unusual sound to hear at 7:30 in the morning.

I rushed to answer.  Something was either dreadfully wrong or excitingly urgent to receive a call at such an early hour.  The caller id registered "Mary Ann Ruff", the women's ministry director at my church.  "Are you ready to be blessed?", she bubbled.

Knowing that I'm always ready to blessed, she proceded without much response from me.  In slow, measured words she said, "Shannon, yesterday someone approached me.  They heard about your desire to attend the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference.  They want to pay your full way."

Overcome with emotion, I was unable to talk and muttered as such into the phone.  Who would be willing to pay such a large price?  Their faith and generosity had done the near impossible - rendered me speechless.

Today I studying the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. This passage is filled with stories Jesus told called parables.  This particular set of stories attempt to explain the work and worth of God's kingdom.  He likens the kingdom of God to a field containing a great treasure.  When a man found that treasure, he sold all he had to purchase the field. (Verse 44)  Jesus also compared the kingdom of God to a pearl hunter who finds a pearl of such immeasurable value that he was inspired to sell all he had to purchase that one pearl. (Verses 45-46)

The person(s) who paid the price for me to attend She Speaks understand the value of living according to God's economy.  No doubt when God first whispered in their ear to sponsor me, they though the idea ludicrous.  There are quite literally thousands of worthy ministries and causes that God could ask them to support.  I can only imagine what personal sacrifice they have made to follow God's prompting.  No doubt their forefiture is substantial.

What would cause someone to follow God so radically?  They understand the immeasurable value of the kingdom of God.  They know that saying "yes" to an uncanny leading of the Lord bears fruit thirty, sixty and one hundred fold. (Verse 23)  Do I feel worthy of such an amazing expression of faith?  No.  In fact, I am not nor even could be worthy.  But Jesus is.  It is He that will take this boundless generosity and multiply it many times over.

Jesus, You have done immeasurably more than I could have asked or imagined.  I am overwhelmed by Your goodness and the grace of Your people.  Today, when I hear Your voice in my heart asking me to do the unlikely, I will utter "yes".  I know You will multiply my mustard seed of faith into a hundred-fold return in Your kingdom.