While walking one day, two men encountered a man begging for money. This man had been unable to walk his entire life and, actually, had to be carried to and left at places that others might see him and be inclined to offer financial help. These two men did not have what he was looking for. They had no money at all.
We often do not have what others say they need from us.
We often feel pressure when others approach us for help. Some have lost a loved one and are grieving. Some are seeking advice regarding a big decision. Others are like the man mentioned previously, looking for something tangible like money to pay an overdue bill or food to eat. Sometimes when we find ourselves face-to-face with someone genuinely in need, we quickly realize we have exactly what they are asking for. However, there are many times in which we simply do not. In these cases, what is the best action to take? We can bluff our way through, but that does not seem best. It’s definitely not helpful to offer ill-advised solutions to problems, advice on things in which we have little knowledge, or money to someone who we are almost certain will use it irresponsibly.
Giving people what they ask for is often not the best thing to do.
The fact is, we all have a tendency to ask for things we do not really need, all the while believing strongly it is EXACTLY what we need. Sometimes we want confirmation from someone that what we are doing is right, when it really is not. Other times we want someone to give us something, when we really have not earned it. Often we want someone to make us feel better in the moment, even though it will not provide lasting help for us. In these types of situations, what is asked for is not a need at all. Most of the time, it is not even in the best interest of the person asking for it that it be given to them. In light of the truth of the situation, it becomes obvious that it is okay not to give the person what they ask for.
More times than not, it is better for a person to receive what is available rather than what they seek.
Let’s go back to the original story. The two traveling men noticed the lame man and heard his request for money. One of the men, named Peter, looked at the lame man and said, “…I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6, ESV). At this point, the man received not what he asked for, but what Peter had available. Peter had been granted the ability to heal others, so he gave the man this gift instead. I am quite sure this was far beyond what any money could have provided for him.
It takes a tremendous step of faith to exchange what we have with each other when its not exactly what we wanted.
When we are in Peter’s position, or the person looking for help, it is good to remember one thing: that moment is a special, planned moment in time. God has ordained that moment, providing exactly what is needed. We may not have the gift of healing, as Peter did, but each of us have something special to offer others, even if it does not seem special to us. What is available should not be frowned upon as unimportant or “not what we had hoped for”. From my experience, we rarely have exactly what others seek from us, and others rarely have what we seek from them. Whether we have the inclination to sit and listen to someone share their story of hurt, the time to provide a meal, the knowledge to build a wheelchair ramp, the patience to accept someone who is typically rejected for their behavior, the courage to speak the truth in love, or just a smile and a nod, it is good to give those things away because it is what God has provided you with in that special moment. What God provides through us and others is far greater than what we think is needed.