Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. --Philippians 4:6

At the end of the 17th century, August H. Francke, a German preacher, founded an orphanage to care for the homeless children of the city of Halle. At one point , he desperately needed funds to carry on his work. A destitute Christian widow suddenly showed up at his door begging for a ducat—a gold coin.

He politely and regretfully told her he couldn't help because of his financial situation. The disappointed woman began to weep. Having sympathy for her, Francke asked her to wait while he went into his room to pray. After seeking God's wisdom, he felt the Holy Spirit leading him to change his mind and give her the money. Trusting the Lord to meet all his needs, he gave the widow the money.

Just two mornings later, He received a thank-you letter from her. She expressed that because of his generosity and kindness, she had been praying that the Lord would shower the orphanage with gifts. That same day, the German preacher received 12 ducats from a wealthy lady in town, and two more from a friend in Sweden.  Just when he thought the abundant blessings from God had subsided, he received word that the orphanage was to receive 500 gold pieces from the estate of a nearby prince.

Francke wept in gratitude to the Lord. In sacrificially providing for the destitute widow, he had been richly blessed by God. This holiday season, give sacrificially to others who may not have much. If you can relate to the needy widow, then pray that God would provide for all your needs—all the while giving Him thanks.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to provide for your needs this season and bless the lives of those who are desperate for help. Pray that He would help you give sacrificially to others with a thankful heart. 

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