Have you ever received a gift from someone who remained anonymous?

I remember my parents telling me about a time when I was very young. Money was tight, but my parents were creative in finding ways to stretch a dollar. They had managed to save a little for a trip and our family was on our way for a few days in Orlando when the transmission of our car went out. They had it fixed in Lakeland & charged it to their credit card, wondering how they would pay the bill.

When we got back home in Dunedin, my Dad, who was a DCE (youth director), went into the church office. The Pastor wondered why he was back in the office so soon. The Pastor then said that there was an envelope in the offering for my father. There was $500 in it! The charge for the car repair was $400. They gave $50 to the church and had a little left over for a family outing.

Maybe you’ve experienced something similar.

Provision Before the Need
I also remember a time when I was working as an assistant campus minister just after college. I lived off of donations and earned just enough to get by each month.

One October morning I was asked to have lunch with the pastor from a nearby church. During lunch, he asked me if I’d be willing to lead the music at their church for a time while they searched for a long-term music minister. They offered to pay me $150 a week. I agreed and started the next month. One month after that, the donations I was receiving each month decreased by $600/month. If I hadn’t been offered the music job, I wouldn’t have been able to pay the bills.

The Hidden Benefactor
Whether you receive a gift from an anonymous donor or someone who is known…Whether it’s a gift or a job or even just the fact that there is toilet paper available in the store, it’s all from our Father in Heaven. He is the hidden benefactor behind every good and perfect gift in our lives.

Luther described it as God acting behind masks. You see the person giving the gift, but God is behind that person having done that. You see it as a job from XYZ company, but God is the one who provided that opportunity. He works through the hands of farmers, parents, friends, and even the earth itself. He provides for everything we need for life and salvation. 

In all things, we can be thankful to God.

Heavenly Father,

You have provided for me in so many ways. Help me to always remember that, even when I don’t see you working, You are working to give me everything I need. Give me a grateful and generous heart.

Amen.