Over the summer I was given a large sum of money, out of the blue, wrapped up in a piece of paper with my name on. The person, who was just an ordinary member from church, handed it to me in passing saying that it was for me. It was the day before my birthday, so I thought it was maybe something to do with that, though didn't know if they even knew it was my birthday. When I was on my own later I opened it and was very surprised to see money, a large amount. I had no idea what to do.

My first reaction, apart from thanks, was that I didn't need this money as there are countless others in desperate situations and I wasn't one of them. Maybe I should give it back? In fact for my birthday I had booked into a posh hotel for a day spa treat, a 'luxury' expense that I have not allowed myself to do before as I am VERY careful with every penny. I was on my way to the spa when I was given the little package, so it just didn't fit. I was overwhelmed by the love shown to me for no apparent reason.

My second reaction was what I should do in return. Should I give them something back or do something for them? However it was clear to me that this was given without any ulterior motive and without obligation or wanting something in return. And then God spoke to me.

"See, there are still many good people out there in the world, willing to love and show love with no strings or expectation of repayment, just obeying my command to hear my call and bless others. Now go and do likewise."

Well I committed to obey and set off for my day spa. The money was exactly the right amount for the day.

Last Sunday we were hearing about giving financially for the Lord, giving generously and spontaneously as the Lord prompted. I remembered my commitment some weeks earlier and realised I hadn't done much about it. As a single parent finances always need to be well monitored and allocated tightly. I am particularly well controlled in this area, maybe too controlled. I knew God was challenging me out of my comfort zone, to trust him in this too and give him the control as the Lord of all areas of my life. So I made a commitment in my heart up the front of church to hand all my finances to him and to give more generously as he prompted. As I went back to my seat my mobile phone was flashing with what looked like a work call, at 10pm on a Sunday night!! I ran out the back and answered it, to find it was another company asking if they could put me on their books to work for them as needed. Although they didn't book me in for a job I knew God was using this to confirm that I was to trust him with the money area of my life too.

Today as I prayed, and still hadn't done anything about all of this, God showed me what to do. And now I've finally done it. It's out of my comfort zone as things in my mind appear to be tighter than ever but I'm trusting him. I have set up a weekly standing order from one account to an empty account. This account is just to be used to bless others. I'll know this money needs to go out. Every few weeks as it fills up I am to ask him what he wants me to do with it and hand it out as directed.

Now this sounds like it's going to be lots of fun!