Worried about another major expense, I prayed this week that the repair of my car would be minimal.
That prayer was on my mind this morning when I saw my mechanic’s name pop up on caller ID. He called to tell me he thought he had resolved the problem. Grateful, I asked, “how much do I owe you.” He answered “nothing.”
I got goosebumps and immediately recognized God’s hand on my life at that moment. Even so, I began to argue about his decision, but then he just said, “I’m doing my good deed for the day.”
God answered very clearly today. Not only was the repair minimal, but He also blessed me with a “no charge” repair.
Unusual kindness
The Apostle Paul experienced an unusual kindness. On his journey to Rome, the ship experienced hurricane-force winds, and Paul, his fellow prisoners and soldiers shipwrecked at Malta.
Already exhausted/drained from the storm, Paul and the prisoners barely escaped death by the soldiers who feared they would all escape their imprisonment. Because the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life, he kept them from carrying out their plan.
Once the ship hit a sandbar, it began to break into pieces by the pounding of the surf. Time was of the essence, so they jumped overboard to get to shore. Stress and anxiety were at a high. They didn’t know what to expect.
Cold and wet from jumping from a run-aground ship, they found kindness on the island of Malta.
The islanders showed us unusual kindness. Acts 28:2
Not only did they find a warm welcome and kindness upon arrival, the islanders also took care of their needs when they set sail again three months later.
Kindness inspires
God uses people like my mechanic and the islanders to bless and inspire us. They put others ahead of themselves, taking care of needs as they see fit.
Watching people put the needs of others above their own inspires us to do the same. I know it did for me. Not only does our kindness help others, but studies show it even improves our health too. We all could use a piece of that.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better
than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
