What Can I Give?

I’ve been thinking recently about my impact and about how I do or don’t touch those around me. I want to be more aware of the needs around me. I want God to use me to help those He puts in my path. Sometimes I am deterred by the thought that I don’t have anything to offer.

I am not rich. I can’t give much money. I don’t have a lot of creative talents. I don’t sew or cook well. I’m not a very good party planner. As a busy, homeschooling mom, I don’t even have a lot of time.

And I wonder: What can I give to those needy people around me?

In the book of Acts, we read about Peter and John stopped at the gate of the temple by a beggar who asks for money. Their answer is very interesting:

Acts 3:1Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer.
2And a man who had been lame from his mother’s womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple.
3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms.
4But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!”
5And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
6But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene–walk!”

Peter and John didn’t have money to give the beggar. But, “what I do have I give to you.” They had something better than money. They had Jesus.

I might not have much in the way of material things to give, but I do have Jesus. I have hope and joy and strength because of Him, and all of those things are very much needed in the world today.

I really do have something to give! And so do you.

One Response to What Can I Give?
  1. Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn
    September 23, 2010 | 8:03 am

    I love this Leah!!! We just talked about this very story at our church staff meeting on Tuesday…we were talking about how we can be innovative in ministry…it doesn’t always have to come from money or stuff, but in the hope we have in Jesus and in our prayers! What a fantastic reminder today, thanks! ~ Melissa