Are You a Blessing Blocker?

A pastor's wife once told me how after having a baby, a friend of hers offered to help by doing the housework. The wife was used to helping others, but found it difficult to accept help. Her response was "no thank you, we'll be okay."

Her friend responded with "why are you trying to rob me of my blessing?"

She went on to explain "We're called to serve each other. God has promised to bless me as I bless others. If you don't allow me to serve you, you rob me of my blessing!"

I spend my day serving others. It's my profession but it's also my passion. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others. Giving them hope and encouragement. Doing tangible things with the prayer that those I serve will see the love of Christ through my actions.

But when someone asks if they can help me? I'm more often than not guilty of responding like that pastor's wife.

And that's how you block a blessing for someone else!

***************************************************

Last week I shopped for a few items in preparation for my upcoming surgery. When I reached my car bags in hand, I realized I forgot the main reason I went into the store. I opened the trunk, dropped in my bags and headed back inside.

I'm a stomach sleeper and I've been concerned about turning in my sleep after surgery. I wanted to get a "husband pillow" - a high back pillow with arms like a chair. My hope is the arms will act as a barrier and keep me on my back.

Back in the store, I bumped into a mom of six who, for the past three years, has been a client of the ministry I oversee.

She smiled brightly and asked how I was doing.

"Well, you'll hear soon enough that I'm out of work for a while. I'm having surgery."

A look of concern crossed her face.

"Are you okay? What is it?" She quickly followed with "you don't have to say if you don't want to."

I mouthed "breast cancer" and immediately, her eyes welled up.

All the while, her middle child was chattering on, trying to get into things.

As she expressed her condolences on what I was dealing with, she reached into her pocket, pulled out her wallet and removed a $20 bill.

I assumed she was giving it to her eldest child to take the little ball of energy dancing around our knees elsewhere in the store to shop while we spoke.

"I want to bless you" she said as she slipped the $20 into my coat pocket.

For a split second, I stood in stunned silence, but quickly countered with "you've got to be kidding...I know your situation. I can't take it."

"I'm paying it forward. I've been so blessed. The organization that found me housing just bought me a car last week. No more taking all the kids and a baby carriage on buses. They paid six months of car insurance, the title, registration, everything. I want to pay it forward and you've been so kind to me, helping me all these years."

"That was the church...not me."

"You made it possible. Please take it."

"Don't rob me of my blessing" echoed in my mind.

We chatted a few more minutes but the little guy had stayed in one place for as long as he was able. It was time to part ways.

"Are you sure?" I asked one last time.

"Please. I want to do this for you."

It was enough to pay for the pillow.

I have been concerned about money since I first heard the diagnosis. I knew the co-pays and deductibles and out of pocket expenses would add up fast.

But God has already shown me in big and small ways that He's got this. 

I love that about God. He's always showing me that He's able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I can ask or imagine. Lord knows I would have never imagined that person being able to bless me in that way!

I would do well to remember Proverbs 11:25 (MSG). "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped." It's a two-way street.

My friend, if you're in a situation of need today, don't rob someone of their blessing. Accept what they offer you humbly, knowing that God sees your need and their hearts. Their actions will bless you, and He will bless them in return.

Has God used someone unexpected to bless you recently? Please share in the comment section!