Yes, it’s so true. I can attest to this.
I’ve experienced this countless times in my 26 years of existence. But for today, I’d like to focus on my most recent experience.
But before that, let’s first settle down about what financial stewardship really is. I found a lot of definitions online but this line struck me most;
“Stewardship is another way of talking about ministry, and it would revolutionize ministry if people could think of it in terms of stewardship—that we are accountable to God for what we do and with what he has trusted to us.”
I felt scared when I first read it. I realized that as God’s steward, I am accountable for all the things he has entrusted to me at the same time it’s a privilege to serve and glorify Him if I will use them for good. In fact, it’s another way of talking about ministry as what you’ve read above.
This challenge isn’t only meant for me, it’s not only meant for you or your friends and family. It’s meant for all of us.
So, let me proceed now with my true-to-life experience. In this story, I highlighted about “tithing” which for sure you know already.
Deuteronomy 14:22 says - “Make an offering of ten percent, a tithe, of all the produce which grows in your fields year after year.”
This is the biblical reference of tithing which is 10% of our monthly gross income. I remember how hard it was to give my first tithe then but along the way the habit was developed.
Last January 12-13, the CFC Singles for Christ conducted the Covenant Orientation Weekend (COW) and one of the sessions is about Financial Stewardship.
In this session, we’re taught about how to become a responsible steward of God’s treasure, particularly money. What struck me most was about “tithing”.
Though I’ve been tithing for 4 years now, I’m still struck during the talk because until now, my tithe is still below 10%. I have this feeling of guilt inside. That moment was a realization for me to increase my tithe to 10% starting this year.
Towards the end of the session, the speaker challenged us to put in the envelope whatever amount we can give right at that moment. We prayed about it and ask His grace for us to give the right amount we can freely give away.
This verse moved me to take on the challenge and just trust in Him what will happen next;
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:10-12
I felt a relief when I read and pondered on the verses thought honestly at first, I’m confused how much I would give until I finally made a decision to give the amount I prayed about.
This is just the first part of the story. Let’s talk about the second. Read on.
The speaker shared about her touching story about tithing. This reminded me to pray more about my tithe and just hold on to God’s faithfulness. In other words, I just should trust Him fully and wholeheartedly.
So that moment I gave my first tithe for the year but it’s not the 10% of my gross income since I’m planning to divide it into two, the other half I will give to my other community.
And then 2 days after, here’s what happened.
Early morning, I went home from a dinner with my workmates. The moment I entered the main door of the building where I’m staying, a somewhat like paper bill money which looked like a piece of garbage on the floor caught my attention.
Still unsure of what it was, I picked it up and lo and behold, it was real money. And you know what? It’s exactly the same amount of money with the one I gave as tithe 2 days back.
Now tell me, isn’t that amazing? Isn’t our God is amazing? Surely he really is and will always be.
Indeed, our God is a God of miracles. He’s a fair God and He’s so faithful to his promises. We just need to trust and hold on to Him every moment of our life.
Whatever amount you’ve given away now, He will give it back to you sometimes exactly the same amount but most of the times it’s way, way more.
It will never be less, so don’t be afraid to give because 100% sure, God will give it back to you in countless folds.
Give more and receive more and more!
May God bless you now and forever.
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