Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

My son-in-law and I were speaking of the practical ways we see God at work in our lives when he recounted this story to me.

“My first year in school, I had very few benefits. I was living with a roommate in very poor circumstances, and we had no financial margin. I could scrape together rent and just the barest amount for food. However, my school was having a food drive for Thanksgiving, and I wanted to participate in some way. I was embarrassed by the little I had to offer—I didn’t have enough for myself—but I knew I could give a can of soup. I love chicken noodle soup, so that is what I gave.”

He continued, “The teacher in charge had put together a significant number of donors, and so the boxes of food grew and grew. We left that week happy that we all could contribute something. I, however, still had no idea what I would be eating for Thanksgiving.

“Imagine my surprise when my teacher drove up and delivered all those Thanksgiving boxes. She knew what my circumstances were and had been planning all along that I would be the recipient of the boxes. I gratefully unpacked every one—the food would last me long beyond the one-day feast. When I came to the final box, I plucked out the can of chicken noodle soup. I had donated it as an offering of the highest cost to me, and God sent it back to me many times over.”

As he recounted that story to me, my first thought was, Thank you, Lord, for bringing this man as a husband to my beloved daughter. And second, How good you are, Lord, to show us your love, attention, and generosity in such tangible ways.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased,”Hebrews 13:16 reminds us. 

Do not be ashamed of what you little you might have to offer God in thanksgiving this month, or any other. He knows our circumstances and honors our sacrifices while delighting in showering us with bounty.

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38, NLT

If you enjoyed this devotion, please consider purchasing the book, Experiencing God’s Love: A Year of Abundance Devotional, which may be found on Amazon.

Purchase Experiencing God's Love: A Year of Abundance Devotional here. 

Photo by Calle Macarone on Unsplash