Stephen the Beggar

He wore a soiled white shirt and a pair of ripped slacks.  His matted hair flopped in the wind and he had heavy eyes. The beggar, Stephen, held out his cup, “Could you please give me a little money to live on.  I am without a job right now and I need some to buy food.”  He turned fifty five this day and he had been on the streets since his twenties.  He used to be a policeman till he lost his buddy in a shootout.  He never forgave himself believing his friend’s loss occurred due to his negligence.

There Stephen stood year after year, day after day until a young girl approached him.  “Excuse me sir.”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to let you know that Jesus loves you very much.  Here is a pamphlet that talks about what He’s done for you and me and everyone else.  Also, here’s a sandwich for you to eat.  God Bless you!”

“Thank you.  I promise to read it.”

Stephen devoured his salami sandwich and opened the pamphlet.  Inside, he found a picture of Christ on the cross.  Tears welled up in his eyes when he began to read of God’s great love for him and how Jesus offers complete forgiveness for his sins.  After reading the tract, he prayed aloud the concluding words and asked Jesus to be the Lord of his life.  He felt the burden of his sins melt away like ice on  a summer day. 

After three weeks, a man approached his corner.  He asked, “I am developing a team of individuals to do yard work in this area.  I will train you, and I pay competitively. Would you like to work for me?

Stephen thought, all these years without a job.  I am frightened at the idea, but I have to believe that Jesus has something to do with this…

“Sir, I will work for you.”

That began his journey back into society.  Stephen joined a church and God began prospering him.  He was quick to give to the Lord’s work, and he learned to serve as an usher at the worship center he attended.

This story is fictional but it shows us the difference we can make when we sow seeds of love to others.  Let’s share God’s word with the spiritually needy.  Let’s feed the hungry and pray for the sick.  God can use us in many ways if we’ll just be faithful and available.  Our efforts do have an effect on those around us.  Remember Christ’s commission to go into all the world, and remember His great commandments to love Him and others.

God Bless,

Tom