The Fruit of Righteousness

A few days ago, one of the women, "V", who chose life for her baby at the abortion mill texted me in crisis. She was out of food money. Her work hours had been cut, and she was just barely able to cover all her bills. The only place she could cut costs was if someone shared her gas expenditures to work. But it was a new job. She didn't know the other workers at all, let alone well enough to share rides. One of the Cities4Life supporters donated a little food money for the week. I knew it would not solve all her problems, and there will never be enough money to solve all the problems of all the women we help turn from the despair and evil of abortion. Nonetheless, a little is better than nothing. Meanwhile, I prayed specifically that she would find someone to share the gas cost, and her hours would increase.

Each day I send a Bible verse to all the women I counsel who have chosen life for their babies. I have quite a large number now that I text each day.  "V" is one of my favorites. She is a Christian, but really struggling to do what she knows is right given all her difficult situations. Yesterday, I sent her the verse that is on the picture I drew for today's blog.

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17

When I texted that to "V", she immediately wrote back Amen.
"How is everything going? Are things any better?" I asked.
"Things are great! I found someone who shares my ride to work, and helps pay for gas! And they are about to increase our hours to full time!"
Exactly my prayers! Why am I always surprised?

It took such a little amount of money to help "V" through the crisis. My friend Carrie, who donated the money, reminded me how, over and over again, God takes a little and turns it into a lot.

The fruit of righteousness: peace, quiet, and confidence forever. God takes a step of righteousness, and turns it into a journey. One step. Friends, take one step.
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2 Corinthians 9:10 

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Psalm 115:14-15 

May the Lord give you increase, you and your children! May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Luke 6:38 

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Malachi 3:10 

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Mark 4:24

And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

Genesis 26:12 

And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him,

Psalm 119:32 

I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!