This pandemic has affected so many people financially. With nationwide lock-downs, small businesses are forced to close, work hours are reduced, and many people filed for unemployment. During uncertain times, it’s easy to feel tempted to hoard your current possessions and money. God wants us to take a different approach as Christians. We must continually give in faith. I know! The thought of giving when there’s lack is scary. Here’s an example in the Bible of someone who chose to stand on God’s promises.
As prophesied by Elijah, it had not rained for several years. Crops died, the river dried up, and the people began to hunger. God provided for Elijah by feeding him through ravens. After some time, He instructed Elijah to search for a widow. She would feed Elijah for the duration of the famine. When Elijah found her, the widow was at her wits end. She was gathering firewood in preparation of her last meal. Elijah promised that God would sustain them if she obeyed and fed him a little bit first. In faith, the widow made Elijah food out of the little she had left. As a result of her obedience, God supernaturally provided for them for many days.
There is something powerful in giving during a season of lack. It’s an opportunity to place complete trust in the promises of God. The widow was given a promise of provision if she obeyed and sowed into the man of God’s life. As Christians, we have a similar promise. God guarantees to open the windows of heaven if we give the tithe. This is one of the few times in the Bible when God says to test and see if He’ll do it. We know that God can not lie. When we put our trust fully in Him and give, He will supernaturally supply our needs. I can testify that despite my job seeing less patients and changing operational hours, my finances have increased in amount. That’s because my job is not my source. God is! Being faithful in giving is so important, because we are to help spread the Gospel to a hurting world. As we give, churches are able to sow into the lives of people in need, broadcast online services, and pay ministers. There is so much that we can do for the Kingdom through giving.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (ESV) states, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap”. If you live in North Carolina, then you know this to be especially true (the forecast literally changes daily). May this post encourage you to give despite the circumstances. Purpose in your heart that you are going to tithe even when it’s hard. As you trust God with what’s in your hand, He promises to supply you with overflow from heaven. Just try and see!
Be encouraged! 😊
Scripture Reference: I Kings 17:7-16 (NLT)
Malachi 3:10 (NLT) “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
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