I was on my home, and she was standing on the sidewalk just before the street I had to cross to get to the bus station. It was Sunday, and I had just had lunch with my cell group. I didn’t have a car, and as was the culture my friends had offered to drop me home, but for some reason I declined. I wanted to take public transport, for reasons I couldn’t explain. As I neared the bus station, a woman in a white dress and bare feet stopped me, asking if I had any money to give her. From what I remember, she needed to go and see her son, and didn’t have enough to get her there (either that or she wanted something to eat). She asked specifically for a gift card, but didn’t specify an amount. I told her I would be right back, and after a split-second hesitation, kept on walking to the shopping centre around the corner.
I loaded a modest amount on it, as money was a little tight at the time, but enough to get a decent meal and pay for a bus or train ride. When I returned, she was shocked to see me. She said she wasn’t expecting me to come back and oblige her request. “Most people just say yes and don’t come back.” I didn’t tell her about my split-second hesitation. Instead, I told her the amount I had put on the card and that I hoped she could get something worthwhile with it. She thanked me, and I continued to the bus station.
I like to think it was a test of faith from God, and that I responded in a way that pleased Him.
COMME UN PRO 