When was the Last Time You Gave Sacrificially?
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7
Throughout our thirty-plus years of ministry, God has supplied the resources for our needs. Many faith-partners have been encouraged by the Holy Spirit to support the vision and goals God has put before us.
We are able to function because of the financial supporters and prayer partners who contribute their resources and time to help us reach the lost, empower the fearful, comfort the broken-hearted, and encourage men to become the spiritual leaders within their homes and communities. While we so appreciate the faithfulness of our large contributors, the sacrificial giving and commitment of those who have very limited resources humbles me.
The following story is a beautiful illustration of God’s creativity and willingness to use all our gifts, large or small, to further His kingdom:
In the latter part of the 17th century, German preacher August H. Francke founded an orphanage to care for the homeless children of Halle. One day when Francke desperately needed funds to carry on his work, a destitute Christian widow came to his door begging for a ducat–a gold coin. Because of his financial situation, he politely but regretfully told her he couldn’t help her. Disheartened, the woman began to weep. Moved by her tears, Francke asked her to wait while he went to his room to pray. After seeking God’s guidance, he felt that the Holy Spirit wanted him to change his mind. So, trusting the Lord to meet his own needs, he gave her the money. Two mornings later, he received a letter of thanks from the widow. She explained that because of his generosity she had asked the Lord to shower the orphanage with gifts. That same day Francke received 12 ducats from a wealthy lady and 2 more from a friend in Sweden. He thought he had been amply rewarded for helping the widow, but he was soon informed that the orphanage was to receive 500 gold pieces from the estate of Prince Lodewyk Van Wurtenburg. When he heard this, Francke wept in gratitude. In sacrificially providing for that needy widow, he had been enriched, not impoverished. – Author Unknown
What an inspiring story. God is so good! May it challenge us to ask God how much He wants us to give, and to whom…not from our abundance, but from compassionate and generous hearts.
The Power of Truth:
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” Mark 12: 41-44
Suggestion for Prayer:
Ask God how you can be a generous and cheerful giver.