Thanks for Food Stamps

Bible Reading: Proverbs 30:8-9; Philippians 4:18; James 4:5-7

“Nora, why don’t you go buy some bread and milk while I return something,” Mom said on the way into the grocery store. She held out a food stamp debit card. “Be sure to get the—” She stopped when she noticed the pout on Nora’s face. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, Mom, do I have to? Why can’t you do it?”

“Because there’s a long line at the customer service desk, and I want to get you to church on time for choir practice,” Mom replied.

“Well, okay, but I’m not going to buy anything with that food stamp card!” said Nora. “I hate it!”

Mom sighed. “Honey, you should be thankful we have these cards. We won’t have to use them long—just until I can get a job.”

“But it’s so embarrassing!” Nora wailed.

Mom put her arm around Nora. “This hasn’t been easy for any of us, but we have so much to be thankful for—like how Dad is doing so well now after his accident. Remember how worried we all were? God has been taking good care of him, and he’s getting better. I think God is teaching the rest of us a lot from this experience too.”

“Like what?” Nora asked.

“Well, for one thing, I’ve learned to be more compassionate toward others,” said Mom. “When things were going well and we had plenty, I’m afraid I often judged people who had less. Sometimes I even thought they were lazy.”

“Well, that’s probably what people are thinking about us now,” said Nora.

“Maybe a few people are,” said Mom. “But I’m learning that what other people think of me doesn’t matter as much as what God thinks of me. And He loves me—and you too! We’re His children, saved by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, and He promises to give us everything we need.” Mom smiled. “This experience has also shown me how God is helping me be more like Jesus. Like you, I hated using food stamps when we first got them, but now I realize I was being proud instead of being thankful for how God had chosen to provide for us.”

Nora sighed. “I guess I’m being proud too, and that’s worse than being poor, isn’t it? I’ll go get the bread and milk.” -Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do you ever feel ashamed because your family has less than others? Or are you proud that you have more than some kids? No matter how much you do or don’t have, remember that everything comes from God. He loves you and promises to supply everything you need. Be grateful for the ways He chooses to care for you as He shapes you to be more like Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be grateful, not proud