Blessing God by Blessing Others

by Joel Osteen

No matter how old you are, where you live, or how much you have, there is always something you can do to be a blessing to someone else. It may be as simple as praying for a neighbor or sharing an encouraging word, maybe inviting someone over for dinner. It may be something that requires a little bit more of you, but if you ask God for opportunities to share His love, I guarantee you’ll find them!

The Bible says that when we reach out to those in need, it’s as if we are reaching out directly to God (Matthew 25:40). Here’s a story about what my two young nieces are doing to be a blessing in Kenya, South Africa…

My brother, Paul and his wife, Jennifer are regularly on the mission field providing medical care, food, supplies, and sharing the love of Jesus with the natives. Their four children travel with them and are actively involved in making a difference any way they can, too. Sophie and Olivia, who are just 11 and 12 years old, have recruited a few other missionary girls and formed “Operation Kenya” to help some of the impoverished locals pay for their medical bills.

Last year, they were able to pay off a large bill for a young orphan boy who was burned in a fire and was being raised by his grandmother. Their modest bill at the mission hospital was far more than they were able to pay on their own, and the girls were able to cover it in full. This year, they have a goal to help five patients with their bills.

The girls raise the money by simply baking cookies and bars, loading them into a small wagon, and carrying them around to other missionaries and visitors. They pass out the treats for a donation to their fund. The first time they did it, they were sold out in just a few short hours! Their plan is to do this once a week for the next few months until they reach their goal. They have also spread the word that they would like to help the other missionaries with chores or babysitting.

Many of the wives of the physicians working in the mission hospital aren’t able to help in the community as much as they’d like because they are caring for their younger children. Sophie and Olivia will be a huge blessing to them, and in turn, they will be able to be more of a blessing to the people in the community.

I encourage you today to look for ways to make a difference in the lives of the people around you. You may not be in South Africa, and you may not be one to bake, but your “mission field” is all around you. Ask God to give you creative ways to reach out and make a difference to others.

Remember, when you do, you are being a blessing directly to God Himself!