March 7 - Anonymous
When I was a young man, just married, there was another young couple with two small kids in our church struggling financially with the husband in a medical program and working part time. I felt led to help but didn't want them or anyone else (except my wife) to know so I went to the bank and put $200 (a tidy sum in the early 80's) in a shoe box and discretely placed it on their back deck by the sliding door.
That was it. I never heard any praise report, etc.. and shortly thereafter I made a career change and moved. But I know God used that opportunity to teach me an extremely valuable lesson that has blessed my life ever since - being sensitive to the leading of God's Holy Spirit in giving are the best investments you can make with your money. I did not have to worry about the increase or how God used that money to bless according to his purpose.
Looking back it is interesting that I only had a few hundred dollars to my name, old car, and had almost no furniture in the house - we were using a wooden pallet with a piece of cardboard and tablecloth on top of a couple boxes as a pedestal for a kitchen table, boxes on end for stools, no couch, no TV, or much else, using sleeping bags on the floor in the bedroom. But I had a good job and felt rich - and so I have always been!
I thought I would stop there but have to add that it boggles my mind how much God has blessed me financially (every other way for that matter). Not due to some "prosperity" doctrine, rather a gift of financial prudence, hard work, and frugality. I was able to help others on occasion and tithed on a very modest income while others making the same amount were struggling to pay bills & receiving food stamps. I never, ever felt poor or like I was missing out on any material thing.
To this day I am uncomfortable with discretionary spending. I cringe when on vacation to visit my sister and she takes me into a Starbucks for her double whammy whatever latte (I would choke if forced to drink a $5 cup of that swill)... and then she drops another $5 in the tip can. I do not judge others for the way they spend money but I do think if people truly valued the money and resources God has entrusted to them, they would not spend it so frivolously. Personally, I really enjoy my home brew for 2 cents a cup and look forward to opportunities to give $5 or $10 to someone less fortunate along the way or contribute more to one of many wonderful ministries. I am so very thankful for the Joy in giving God has blessed me with from that God Moment years ago.