IS THIS PERSON GOD'S MIRACLE?

When the door opened to her compact, abundantly stocked store, Annie warmly welcomed her customer, thinking: “Is this person God’s miracle?”  Annie needed a miracle. The store was nearly moneyless with the rent due in a couple days.

Her store, more correctly, as she says, “This is God’s store,” is unique because anyone can walk in, no questions asked, and shop free for clothes, books, toys, small household items, etc.

Annie’s only fund raising effort is the red looks-like-a-child’s-tackle-box attached to the countertop. A note taped near a slot cut into the top says, in English and Spanish: “Donations are used for the rent and utilities.”

No asking, pleading, mailings during the store are seven years. She doesn’t even ask for the hundreds of thousands of items which have been donated to give away. Well actually Annie does fund raising: “I pray to God.”

This month, for the first time, the situation was pressing. Some days the little box contained a few pennies. Other days-- zero.

Annie prayed and with joyful anticipation her faith held firm. And with all her heart, she believed the words of Jesus: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.”

Thursday night Annie put the closed sign up. One more day for the store and then the rent would be due. It had been a lean day for donations. Then Annie heard a rap on the door. It was Pastor Jerry from a church two blocks away. He had never been to the store.

Apologizing for his late arrival he handed Annie an envelope and left quickly. Alone again, Annie opened the envelope.

Near tears, Annie held a check for $1000.

She had sought the Kingdom first. God provided—a miracle.