I once read about a woman whose church group bought Christmas gifts for a missionary family. After meticulously selecting the presents based on the family's needs, sizes and ages, the group gathered to pack them. That's when another member whisked in and plopped an almost-new man's coat on the table. Her husband didn't like the style. As she turned to go, she suggested that maybe one of the missionaries could use it.

Several people were offended. The coat wouldn't fit anyone in the missionary family. Obviously, the woman hadn't given much thought or time to the project. But the other presents didn't completely fill the barrel they were packing. So someone folded the coat and stuck it in. It made perfect packing material.

After Christmas, a thank-you letter arrived from the missionary family.  They thanked the church for their many gifts and especially for the "miracle" gift. It seems that, during a storm, a destitute man knocked on their door. He was so ill-dressed for the cold that they invited him to stay until the storm had passed. Even though their visitor would have no gifts in the barrel, they decided to open it. That's when they discovered the coat. It fit the man perfectly.

Do such things really happen in this world? Yes they do - all the time.

You never know when you give that cup of cold water -- whether to the needy stranger or to the work of God -- how that gift may be used.