“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
We have all, at one time or another, struggled financially. We have all made tough decisions on how to cut back and to make that paycheck stretch just a little bit further. I am sure some of us have made the decision to give less to the church, or not give at all, because we are struggling. We become afraid that we will not have enough to make it. I have been there, I have struggled with the same thoughts, but I learned a wonderful lesson about giving a few years ago.
My husband had lost his job and the part time job I was doing ended suddenly. We did not know what to do, or how we were going to make it. We had no money coming in, so of course we could not tithe regularly. But we both made the commitment that whatever money we did get in, we would give part of it to the church.
We were also reminded that we can give in other ways, by prayers and by our time. We prayed for the church, and we volunteered at every opportunity. When we did an odd job and received pay, we kept our promise and gave part of the money to the church. Our giving in each of these ways was rewarded. Odd jobs continued to come our way until we both were able to find good jobs. We were blessed with so many wonderful people willing to help us get back on our feet.
We never “went without” because God provided for us. God made sure we had enough. God truly blessed us with more than enough! God continues to bless us now. We are so grateful for all the wonderful blessings from God.
Thank you, God, for loving us enough and for making sure we have enough and are enough to make a difference in this world!
Lee Ann Simpson, Administrative Assistant, Asbury Campus
