So you’ve decided to give this “walk by faith” thing a try and you’ve learned it means more than words — faith is belief in action.
The question is, what exactly does it mean to “walk in the Spirit?”
Abby Fink’s plan was to deliver a meal to a church family in need, when she suddenly became part of a much bigger, God-organized plan.
You see, it had been a normal day for 4-year-old Noah Jakeman when suddenly he had a seizure, started vomiting, and went into respiratory failure.
“He started turning blue and wasn’t breathing, so I immediately called 911 and he was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. It was pretty scary,” said Mrs. Jakeman.
Noah’s family rushed him to the hospital, although it wasn’t their first time there with him.
Noah has a type of severe cerebral palsy and epilepsy called Lennox Gusteau Syndrome that has left him unable to walk or speak, suffering with autism, and weakened bones and brain.
As you might imagine, this family was dealing with serious needs and their friend, Abby Fink, knew the Jesus thing to do would be to bring Light into this darkness however she could.
And in her desire to help, Abby’s spiritual gift of hospitality revealed itself. You see, Abby can cook!
And while that seemed so small comparably to their circumstantial needs, Fink waved away feelings of inadequacy and set her mission up – to simply deliver a home-cooked meal. And of course, pray.
But something crazy happened next.
You see, Fink sent a text message to the Jakemans, wanting to make her help-effort as convenient as possible: “Hey brother Jakeman, this is sister Fink, we are bringing you dinner tomorrow I was wondering what time would be a good time to bring it over.”
The text she received back didn’t seem like it came from Mr. Jakeman: “Oh what are you bringing me, I don’t like seafood.”
Um… What?
“I was confused at first because the reaction I got from him was not one of someone with a child in the ICU,” Fink reported to CNN.
The text had gone to a man named Bill who, not knowing the gravity of the situation, sent a joking reply back.
But when Fink apologized for the wrong number text and explained it was meant for a family with a little boy in the ICU, Bill immediately asked how he could help.
CNN reports: “After some coordination, Bill started raising money on Facebook and asked his network for cards, blood donations and monetary donations to help the family with medical expenses.”
The Washington Post reports: “In just a few days, more than $1,500 was raised by his friends and acquaintances, along with dozens of stuffed animals, cards and picture books. Several businesses and charities also donated, including the Armer Foundation for Kids, a group that helps ease the financial burdens of families with children who have serious medical conditions.”
Part of Bill’s efforts for the Jakemans included getting the community to make cards, so Noah could “see himself surrounded in love from the community” when he was conscious again.
Bill was actually dually pleased to take part in blessing this family, as it gave him an opportunity to train his teenage son to help others: “My biggest reward for this is having an opportunity to teach my son the lesson of charity.”
Fink knows where the impression on Bill’s heart came from, as she told him: “It’s amazing. He is a total stranger and he just wanted to jump into action. I told him he was an angel, sent to help this sweet family.”
Today, Noah is no longer in the ICU, praise God! He’s working on becoming stable enough to leave the hospital, hoping to go home soon.
One thing we should note is that God will absolutely provide for us when we are in need.
We need to remember our heavenly Father is always present and cares for all our needs. If we have any need big or small, we should ask diligently, with faith.
At the same time, let us keep our priorities aligned, as the Bible is very specific to tell us in
Matthew 6:31 – 33:
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Another thing is to follow Fink’s example. She saw a need, and sought to fill it to the extent she was able. And while it was a simple mistake that caused Bill to enter the picture, God can do anything in any way.
God used Fink’s willingness to serve the Jakemans as a platform for His Providence in ways beyond her imagination.
I heard a preacher once say, “You need to get in alignment before you receive your assignment.”
We love the idea of doing “big things for God,” but we need to open our eyes and realize that our Big God will indeed do mighty things through us. We just need to take a step in faith and serve others in any way we can—God will do the rest.
We are given days on this earth that were marked out by God from all eternity past. He intended very much that we all be a manifestation of His Love to all people.
How do we know who to help and when? Look around you… God will use you exactly where you’re planted.
You are made, on purpose, for such a time as TODAY!
If you struggle to know these realities for yourself, start with the simple step of faith. Believe God has a purpose for you, which is to shine His Light everywhere and to all people.
So let’s go help somebody experience God today!
