Growth in Giving - Day 30

September 24, 2012

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privelege of sharing in this service to the saints."  2 Corinthians 8:2-5

What a statement for Paul to make that the Macedonian churches had pleaded and urgently pleaded to have the privelege of sharing in service to the saints.   Reading this made me stop and think about whether I consider giving a privilege.  It reminded me of a  story book a friend gave me in memory of my mother.  My mother always wore hats and gave a smile to everyone she met.  In Miss Fannie's Hat, Miss Fannie is asked to give one of her hats to the church to auction in order to fix the church before Easter.  She had many hats and after praying to the Lord like he was right there she felt led to give away her favorite hat.  She would have preferred to have given any of her others but she knew her pink hat with the flowers would raise the most money.  As she began to think of all that could be done because of her favorite hat she becamem excited about giving.  Of course, enough money was raised to fix the church and landscape with pink flowers that looked just like her hat.

I can remember times that I wondered if I really needed to give what God had asked for but every time I did I was blessed with a wonderful peace.  I just pray I can be more like the giver Paul speaks of and plead for the opportunity to give, for when we give, we grow.

Dear Lord, Thank ou for all you have given us.  Help us to give freely and willingly in all we do.  Give us the insight to do your will in our giving and bless all those who give and who receive.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Author:  Susan Wollner