All He Has

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“Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” – Luke 6:30

It’s not a Robin Hood story.  It’s not about taking from the rich and giving to the poor.  It’s about doing what God has called you to do.  We all see the homeless, the broken, the less fortunate and in most cases walk right by.  Each of us reading this today are blessed enough to have a computer or receive e-mail in one way or another.  Do you think the man sleeping under the overpass has e-mail, a facebook account or tweets everyday?  So, despite your situation in life, you are likely in the group of people in the world above the poverty level.

He wakes up every morning with nothing but what is on his back.  His shoes are old and worn, his coat is frayed at the bottom and his face hasn’t been shaved in many years.  He carries a backpack with everything he owns tucked deep inside it.  When the weather turns ugly, he finds a corner to curl up in, to cut the wind in an attempt to stay warm.  He carries a small sign each day that says – “Will work for food.” and authentically means it.  He’s not a beggar, he’s not a drunk or a druggie, he’s simply doing God’s work.

In 32 years he has traveled across the United States, from city to city, town to town where the Lord leads him.  He’s never gone a day without food, and is a constant recipient of the charity of others.  He stays mainly in the South for the warmer climate, but travels North during the summer months to expand his ministry.  What is his ministry, you might say?  Spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to all that will listen.

In 1979, this young man gave his life to God at a tent revival in Daytona Beach, and heard from the Lord very clearly – “Go and tell the story”  So, he went and never looked back.  In his backpack he carries a few belongings, but mostly used bibles.  He hands out bibles to those who need them, and collects from those who want to give.  He comes into a city, led by God’s directions and waits for the Lord to work through him.  Sometimes it’s a day, a week or longer, but God points out to this man, the person or persons in need of hearing the Word.  After sharing God’s love, he packs up his belongings and moves on to the next city.

A modern day apostle, yes; but more than that.  He lives all out, everything and every day serving the One who created him.  He takes no more than he needs for the day, and gives back through hard work and sharing God’s love.  He’s not on CNN, FoxNews, BBC or the Oprah Winfrey show.  He’s not looking for praise or acknowledgement or a raise.  He’s not complaining daily about how he got cheated or how life’s not fair.  He simply wakes up and walks, and along his path shares the love of God with all who will listen.  So, the next time you feel worried about life’s hardships and feel that others are cheating you out of something, just stop and say a quick prayer for Daniel.  It’s likely that you have much more than he does. 
Heavenly Father,
Today I lift my prayer for Daniel.  I’ve never met him, but I know he’s out there serving You with everything he has.  I pray for his warmth, his health, his rest.  I pray that he is able to reach those You have called him to reach and that they indeed hear Your voice through him.  Lord, I ask that You pour down blessings upon Daniel that will ease his burden today.  Give him food, shelter, and peace in knowing that he is loved.  In Jesus name I pray – Amen.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2011
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