The Journey Continues: Knock at the Door

My journey this week took me to a memory from long ago when I experienced a faith challenge.

“Faith shows the soul how to look beyond what the eye can see,” an unknown quote.

At my first pastorage in Winters, Texas, I was led to propose a weekend revival and with church approval to include a “Nacho Knock-Out” to precede the Friday night service. I was excited. I asked Judy to check Sam’s Club for the price of the makings; which came to a total of $59.20.

The next Sunday from the pulpit I explained the plan and asked God and told the people the need for $59.20. No one came to me after the service to volunteer a contribution.

There were two exit doors from the church sanctuary; and I posted myself at the front door, then the congregation all headed for the other door. I was beginning to get the idea. When I saw some members at the Post Office on Monday morning, they all avoided eye contact; and Tuesday and Wednesday – more of the same, no commitment. Friday night was coming like a freight train and no money to help with the nachos had been given and Judy and I were broke ourselves.

Very early Thursday morning there was a faint knock on my front door at the church parsonage. There stood a lady I recognized from church standing there with a young small child. She was not a regular or a member of our church. Her husband was an unemployed oil field worker, her son was off at college, and she was employed at the local hospital as an LVN. I thought, "Well, if she needs food, I can share from my pantry, and I can use my credit card for gasoline and will have to really dig to give help with utilities.”

But asking for assistance was not her purpose. Without hesitation she pulled an envelope from her purse and handed it to me. She said, “Brother Jim, the Lord told me to give this to you.” Inside were three crisp $20 bills. I knew what it was for and after prayer with her, I shouted to Judy the good news. I don’t remember the results of the revival or the Nacho Knock Out; but I will never forget the mother and child who knocked on my door long ago.

Don’t limit the Lord with your mindset or worldview or lack of faith. This experience taught me to be more trusting. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”