torn between "in awe" and "of course"

i began praying a while back about doing something to help our friends, family, and yet-known friends know and love the women and children of sadamo genet the way we do.  several options came to mind, but when the opportunity for a $1,000 matching donor arose, i knew the lord had provided the golden ticket.  so twelve days ago, on compassion sunday, i shared with you that we needed $1,000.  by the grace of god in all of our lives, not only could our $1,000 instantly turn into $2,000, but that money would go directly to the sadamo genet child survival program in ethiopia to nourish bodies - and to nourish souls. 

i prayed this prayer over and over:  by the prompting and work of the holy spirit, lord, please provide us with a minimum of $2,000 to deliver to those in need for your name's sake.  on good friday - the day that our savior was pierced for our transgressions, the day he was crushed for our iniquities.  our peace came from his punishment, and by his wounds we are healed. 

now we are free to SPREAD HIS GLORY, and we are free to GIVE.

five-thousand, two-hundred dollars.  i'm grateful to the lord.  i'm grateful to you.  and i'm grateful to the lord for you.

  

"this service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of god's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to god.  because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise god for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.  and in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace god has given you.  

thanks be to god for his indescribable gift!"

2 corinthians 9:12-15