Nothing to give…

Last week in Kenya, we had the opportunity to worship with the orphans at Brittany’s Home of Grace. The orphan’s led the worship, read God’s Word and the Pastor delivered the message.
Curtis and Devry serve as the American Missionary Hosts hired by Kenya Relief to oversee their orphanage, school and short-term medical volunteers. Before the service began, Devry took our team of 24 medical volunteers aside to explain how their church service may differ from what we may experience in the States.

She said there will be a lot of praising. A lot of hands held high and some dancing. Channel David on his triumphant return to Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant. The Kenyans are very expressive in their worship.

She also felt the need to clarify the offering. “These children have nothing to give.” Instead of giving money, they give their service. Prior to the offering, each child takes a piece of paper and writes something they can “do” for God during the upcoming week.

The service began. Orphans as young as 3 years and as old as teenagers began to pour out their praise to God. With arms lifted high they sang of His goodness, His love and His provision. I was overwhelmed by the sight of those whom had suffered so much at such a young age pouring out heartfelt praise in worship. Grateful for our God who loves them and provides for them. My heart shattered at the sight of these children with nothing–giving back to God. Lining up one-by-one to place their “offering” in the basket.

The widow’s mite. Nothing to give.

‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more in the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” (Mark 12:43-44)

Maybe when we have nothing to give, we are actually in the most powerful place. Like the widow, the orphans didn’t have any money to give. So, they gave their heart. They gave their “life”.

Their offering was their intentional obedience to God’s Word and His will. And isn’t that what God’s really after? “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) If I’m not careful, I may be tempted to use my money as a poor substitute for obedience.

When I think about nothing to give but my obedience, I think of Katie Davis Majors. At 18 years old she chose to be a kindergarten teacher in Uganda instead of going to college with her friends. She had a successful High School transcript, was the daughter of affluent parents and was head over heels for a local boy. Little stood between her and the comforts of the American Dream. But at 18, she chose to give her “life” as the offering instead.

From an earthly perspective, it didn’t seem to make sense. No money, no college degree, no skills. The only thing she had was her obedience. So, she offered it instead. She offered her she “yes”.

Over the next 13 years, this girl with no college education, career or money, adopted 13 orphaned Ugandan girls, founded a multi-million-dollar non-profit, became Glamor magazine’s 2012 Woman of the Year and oversaw the building three schools responsible for educating over 500 Ugandan children.

Logic whispers you would be much more effective for the Kingdom of God with a college degree, a specific skill set or a financial donation.

But I’m starting to reconsider. Reconsider the power of the widow’s mite. The power of one heart, one life, placed in the offering. One person’s “yes” to God.

Katie learned the Word of God. She loved the Word of God. And for the past 15 years she has demonstrated what it looks like to live the Word of God.

Our yes will look different than Katie’s, but the principal stands. God intends to do more in and through you than you could ever imagine. Each yes to God serves as a building block to a life of purpose, adventure and satisfaction in advancing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

If God’s been compelling you in an area, I encourage you to say “yes”. If you are not sure if God is compelling you in an area, ask Him to use you. To give you the wisdom to discern the promptings of His Spirit. The courage to say “yes”. And the strength to keep saying “yes”.

Learn it. Love it. Live it. THE WORD OF GOD.