Try it. It worked for me.

A well-known German preacher of the 17th century named August Francke founded an orphanage and took in homeless children right off the streets in Halle, Germany. One day when he was desperately in need of funds to carry on his work, a destitute Christian widow came to his door begging for money. All she wanted was one gold Ducat(coin). Because of his own financial situation, he politely but regretfully had to refuse. He just didn’t have it to give to her. Disheartened, this woman sat down and began to weep.

Francke was so moved by her tears he said, “Wait a minute. Let me go in and talk to the Lord about this.” He went into the orphanage, closed the door to his office and began to pray, seeking God’s guidance. As he prayed, he felt the Spirit of God wanted him to give that woman his last gold coin. Trusting the Lord to meet his own needs, he gave her the money. He had no anticipation of anything in response; he just did what was right.

Two mornings later he received a very warm letter of thanks from this widow. She wrote that because of his generosity she had asked the Lord to shower the orphanage with gifts. That same day he received 12 gold coins from a rich woman, and 2 from a friend in Sweden. He thought that he had been amply rewarded for his good deed to this woman, but shortly after that he was informed that Prince Ludwig von Vertenberg had died, and in his will he had directed that 500 gold pieces be given to the orphanage.

This is the attitude that God looks for among His people. He wants us to cast our bread upon the waters, to give without regard to rewards. That pearl of wisdom teaches us simply to do what is right and let God take care of the rest. I’m sure August Francke would say, “Try it. It worked for me.”

Pastor Larry