I was a contributor to a women’s devotional book on Proverbs years ago.  This post is a re-print of that piece.  I’m happy to report that I have upgraded my couch since then.

———————————————————————————————

“Do not withhold good . . .when it is in your power to do it.”

Proverbs 3:37, NASB

Kathryn looked gaunt as she approached me after church. Her normally glistening auburn hair hung listlessly.

“Hi, how are you?” I said.

“Not well at all,” she said quietly, her voice quavering slightly.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, shifting uncomfortably.

“My new job hasn’t worked out. I have to be out of my apartment by Friday, and I have no place to stay.” She looked at me with a glimmer of hope.

“Oh, that’s too bad. I’m really sorry,” I said, just as another friend interrupted our conversation.

All evening Kathryn remained on my mind. I sensed the Holy Spirit nudging me. “I have presented you with a need, and you have the means to help.” It was true. I did live alone, and Kathryn could sleep on my garage-sale couch until she found an alternative.

It seemed odd, though, that I would be the one to help. Kathryn and I had never hit it off, and had even competed for the attention of the same young man.

Still, I felt compelled to act, so I invited her over. “Here’s where you’ll sleep,” I said, motioning to the turquoise couch.

Kathryn gratefully sank into one of the snagged cushions. It absorbed many tears her first sleepless night. I didn’t know what to say to help her, so I simply listened as she talked for hours. As the days passed, I maintained my daily routine as much as possible. Kathryn observed me cook healthy meals, spend time reading God’s Word, and keep my home and personal appearance neat.

I never directly confronted issues in her life. Yet daily she gained emotional and spiritual strength. Soon the couch cushions dried and the TV rested from its all-night vigils.

One evening I noticed she had purchased notecards for Scripture memorization. In addition, she had neatly organized her belongings, and her hair donned a pretty bow. I could feel it; my couch would soon be empty.

I genuinely missed Kathryn when she left. Later she told me that those three weeks had been a turning point for her. I had shared the things she needed most: myself and my garage-sale couch.

Lord, thank You for Your promptings to help others. May I respond with a willing spirit, trusting you for the outcome. Amen.