Pass the Ammo- The Little Gift

“Fight the good fight of faith”

1 Timothy 6:12

“Pass the Ammo” is a true story series of unnamed (but not unknown) soldiers for Christ who stepped out of their comfort zone to obey the Holy Spirit’s call. To stay in the fight, we’ll need all the extra rounds we can get. So, praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition!

Another day, another shift. The assembly line whirs and spins, the only marker of the passing of time in the factory. Weekdays meld together, and a blessed day off work comes and goes too quickly. The budget is tight, and when the weather changes it gets tighter still. Though the paycheck, indifferent, never changes.

What does this poor wage-earner owe to an ever-begging world? She has paid her dues a thousand times over. If her only concern was the maintaining of her own life, no one could fault her. She hasn’t the freedom nor the resources to fix others’ problems, when her own world is so crowded with needs.

She used to talk about, “when I retire…” But now the age has come and gone, and it is not rosy as envisioned, save for the thorns of woe and worry. There is little hope held for a comfy rest, save for faith in Jesus, the Burden-Bearer. Her only respite comes once a week, when she can go into the meeting-house to worship the One Who understands this cross.

And worship she does with a mighty gift. Not in loud song, for she’s never been a singer. Not in speech or prayer, for she has never been called to that ministry. Not in extravagant giving, though it is extravagant in the eyes of the Lord Jesus, for Whom all offerings are made.

“Things that accompany salvation,” (Hebrews 6:9)

No, her gifts are far more precious. Look closely, you will see them. A tear down the side of her cheek after the message. And from that tear, a burden. And from that burden an idea, an opportunity! To where? To that place where she has spent the most of her life, toiling and earning, where she will be again Monday until Saturday. And for what was that burden? To give the Gospel to her coworkers.

But how will she do it? Oh, such a gift as the Gospel deserves the best garnishment. A gem like that must be adorned properly. It is the BEST gift, and it must be presented as such. The assembly line is so long, and the people like bees drone in and out around the clock to keep it running. If only she could find something to bless them with, to turn their eyes toward Christ.

But there are many souls to reach. Where will the extra money come from?

“Every good gift, and every perfect gift…” (James 1:17)

I’ll tell you where. It is the bonus that is always too little, too late. It is the little shelf where the change gathers for a rainy day. It is the margin on the ledger that is squeezed just a little tighter. That’s where it comes from.

Patience and prayer are put into a large basket of gifts bought for the unloved factory workers. Nobody can quite appreciate what the purchase of those gifts cost; for it was more than money. See, there is something with those gifts- a Gospel tract. “Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” it offers, and in less than a dozen pages imparts the way of salvation. We realize that someone DOES understand what giving good gifts is all about. Jesus understands.

Can’t you give the Gospel without a gift? I will answer with words, as she argues in deed: Can you give anything worth having without a sacrifice? Ask Christ if eternal life should be casually or cheaply given! Calvary is worth more than that- “Mercy there was great, and grace was FREE!” It is free because it is invaluable– not because it is worthless.

Jesus came to become the GREATEST gift, but He came bringing good gifts. “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” (Ephesians 4:8) If you are reading this today, you have been given some gifts:

• Another day of life,
• Enough education to be able to read,
• Eyes to see with,
• A mind that understands, and
• Someone who cared enough about you to send you this. All these are good gifts that accompany salvation!

“Wrap[ping] it up” (Micah 7:3)

A few dozen gifts- a few dozen tracts. How carefully they were gathered; how quickly they are dispersed. They are given and then gone. No one will ever pay it back, no one will ever care what it cost. The needs continue, and the work goes on.

But what great reward in Heaven awaits the servant who sacrificed to give a gift for the Gospel’s sake!

“…And having done all, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:13b

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