Sometimes God does a similar thing over and over in your life and establishes a signature. Each time it happens, you see the handwriting of God, you look up to heaven and He winks at you. He softly sings in your ear the first line of “your song” and you feel a fresh swirl of faith in your soul.
God established a signature with my family through generous people.
It happened for the first time early in our ministry in Peabody, MA.
A partnership between New England Baptists and South Carolina Baptists had been struck, and Sandie and I were privileged to sit with a key representative from Greensboro. As we answered his question about what we needed for our ministry, he interrupted.
“I appreciate your humility and your intentions not to be greedy, but Bob and Sandie … what do you really need for your ministry?”
It happened for the first time early in our ministry in Peabody, MA.
A partnership between New England Baptists and South Carolina Baptists had been struck, and Sandie and I were privileged to sit with a key representative from Greensboro. As we answered his question about what we needed for our ministry, he interrupted.
“I appreciate your humility and your intentions not to be greedy, but Bob and Sandie … what do you really need for your ministry?”
“Honestly, we need another car.”
“We’ll put that on the list.”
Well, not only did he put it on the list, but a month later he parked it in our driveway! What a generous blessing! Thank you, South Carolina, and thank you Father of the universe.
The Lord did this again a few years later, when our mini-van was stolen from a T-station parking lot. Friends we had made in Georgia years earlier, and who were now living in a nearby state, heard of our loss. They invited us down for some retreat and relax time, and in the midst of their hospitality, extended their generosity. “You need our van more than we do. It’s yours.”
This has happened three more times; most recently at my surprise 50th birthday party thrown by church family and friends. Now I know what it’s like to be on a TV game show when they say you’ve won a new car. How do you respond when somebody hands you a set of keys? You’re just dumbfounded by the generosity of God and His servants. “Thank you! Thank you, all. Thank you very much!”
Today’s text says that enthusiastic giving stirs others to generous action and praise of God. It reminds us of the simple, profound truth that those who sow a bunch, reap a bunch. It reminds us that reluctant or forced giving is not what God enjoys. Just decide what you can give and then have fun giving it. (The word “cheerful” in verse 7 comes from the same Greek root that we get the word “hilarious” from.) God loves people who have a blast giving things away. And the sweet thing is, God gives to the giver who gives. He fills in behind, so that every dip into your seed bag for sowing is replenished, and every harvest becomes high-yield.
Don’t have much to give? We’re not talking only about material giving. The text says, God will make you rich in EVERY way so that you can be generous on EVERY occasion! How well do you sow the intangibles? Love. Hope. Faith. Are you generous with patience, forgiveness and joy? These are even more important to sow than materials. Four of my five gift cars are in the junkyard. But the faith, hope and love they sowed in my heart are still producing a harvest.
Pray: Source of all good gifts; help me to be generous like You. Help me to value giving to the point of hilarity. Teach me that reaping only comes after sowing. I must take the initiative. Show me how rich I already am in You, and move me to start giving it all away. If I’m sowing from Your seed bag, I will never reach in and find it dry.
No comments:
Post a Comment