The handwritten note reads, “I’m really sorry, I don’t have money to give to God’s church. Please accept my watch as I want to offer it to God as my thankfulness.”
The words are written on the back of an offering envelope. The person’s name was on the front.
The Gift and the Giver
The envelope was unopened and carefully sealed. I had the impression I was holding a priceless treasure.
Inside the envelope was a woman’s watch. It was a “Citizen” brand, “Eco-Drive,” well worn. No numbers on the watch face – just lines.
The watch reminded me of one my mother wore.
The giver noted – “no batteries needed as it is a windup watch.” It kept perfect time.
Feels Like Home
I snap my own watch imagining the giver, Sunday morning snapping the watchband secure on her wrist like she had done countless times before, letting her know how close to being on time for church she would be. Arriving at North Pointe like many Sundays before. Our facility feels like “home” to her.
I wonder when during the gathering for worship she felt impressed to give an offering to God. What to give? No money. I visualize her asking a question: “What should I do, Lord?”
“I could give this,” slipping the timepiece off of her wrist– adding a quick, heartfelt note, sealing the envelope, and gently placing it in the offering plate. “That’s for you, Lord.”
I snap my watch again, and in wonderment am inspired.
The Providential Gift of a Watch
How timely of a gift.
That very morning, in our pastoral staff meeting, we had talked about our vision for the future. We felt impressed that there would be 100’s more children, teens and adults becoming a part of God’s kingdom at North Pointe.
There would be a greater demand for resources to facilitate that need. Where would those resources come from? Could we trust God to prompt people to give in a greater way?
The gift of a timepiece was providential. It was a “God wink” – a reminder that He knows what we need, when we need it and how to provide for the need.
I have a feeling the watch can be the leading edge of something very special.
NOTE: In response to reading this story an anonymous donor gave $250 to “buy” the watch and return it to the giver.
APPLICATION: Have you felt prompted to do something or give something special to God? What did you do? Please leave a comment below.
Pointes of View exists in order to help people grow their faith in Jesus, build healthy relationships and effectively live out their purpose.
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Hi Bob: I have on several occasions been prompted to sow a watch into some ministers lives and each of them were timely events in their lives almost making a prophetic statement to each of them. I gave my pastor one for his birthday, I gave a minister in England an expensive one that I had bought myself that I had saved up for a long time, and it gave him the money to buy a newer car that his wife and him needed but didn’t have the money to buy. It gave them the ability to do that as they took it and sold it. Then on a previous trip to England I had bought one in 2003, a significant one in my life as coming out of poverty thinking and thinking myself as a boy into manhood which I gave to another’s person as significant of redemption from what they had done as a young adult in europe as a young adult. Each of them costed me something. Two of the watches were very expensive but I felt the Spirits tug to do it…One was just that I loved this pastor so much for the time he invested with me, and although I didn’t have the resources to buy him what I really wanted to, he was still impacted and wears this watch almost weekly. To this date, I haven’t owned a watch personally since I gave the really expensive one to the pastor in England. One day I will get another one and of course I always will look for the spirit’s prompting if he wants that one given.
My husband and I were visiting a church in Calgary. We were on a bit of weekend get-away. There was a missionary speaking. We were in tears when he was done speaking. My husband pulled a wad of bills out of his pocket, looked at me, and I whispered through my tears, “Give it all, just give it all.”
It was an incredible feeling to be able to drop that into the offering plate. It’s always stuck with me even though it was years ago. God has been faithful this whole time with our finances. It’s a good reminder of how blessed we are.
Thank you Mike for telling this story. Its interesting how a story about a watch leads to other stories like yours about watches and giving. You’re a thoughtful and generous person.
Thanks for sharing this Adena. Moments like those are “on-the-edge-of-your-seat” moments when you feel fully engaged and responsive to the Lord. Good to know how God has been faithful to provide for you.
That is priceless! God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform! Thank you Lord