Give cheerfully…God will bless you abundantly!
I will always remember the Fall of 2011. I was slated to take over a middle school math class when the current teacher was going to retire the end of November. We had an arrangement worked out where I was going to come into the classroom as a volunteer to get to know the students and the instructional methods of sixth grade math. I admired the soon-to-be retired teacher, Mrs. Roberts, because she wasn’t only a strong and dedicated teacher, but she had taught my two eldest children to succeed in math. It was going to be a tall order to fill, but I felt confident because I was given the opportunity to have that time to assist her in the classroom prior to my established hiring date.
Since I wasn’t going to be officially employed until November, I seized the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Guatemala in the middle of October. What a blessings that trip was!
Well, on October 3rd I received a phone call from the principal. She said, “Stephanie, when can you start?” I told her that I was leaving for the mission trip on the 15th and wouldn’t return until the 22nd. Susan, the principal, asked if I could start working on Monday the 24th.
I was a bit perplexed. I was planning on teaching math when Mrs. Roberts retired in November. Little did I know that God had a better plan for me. (Of course.)
Susan informed me that they acquired another unit and that I would be co-teaching until Mrs. Roberts retired. Not just any co-teach situation, but WITH Mrs. Roberts. Whoa!
Here I was ready to volunteer my time for a month in order to make the transition easier for the students and Mrs. Roberts, but God decided that He would go ahead and have me become employed for that month. That month’s salary paid for my mission trip! God is so good.
When I read 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, I thought about the abundant blessing that God provided because (I believe) I was willing to cheerfully give of myself to do His will. It says:
- Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Giving is important and is our God-given right. Just when you think you have given a great thing, whether financially, prayerfully, or of your time and talents, just know that you can’t out give God. He gives you all you need and more.
When you earn money, tithe! Tithe the first 10% of your gross. Trust me, God will provide.
When you recognized the talents that God has given to you, use them! Use them for His glory. Trust me, God will notice and bless you.
When you feel that you have nothing to give, you do. You may have a kind word to share, a time to sit and listen to someone in need, or time to pray for others and be of service to someone. Whatever you do or give, do it for the Lord and with a willing and cheerful spirit.
Blessings and God’s abundant love to all!
September 21