A Prayer to Give Joyfully and Trust God
By Chelsey DeMatteis
Bible Reading:
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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As believers, when we hear "give," we automatically think of financial giving, and that is undoubtedly a part of giving. However, there are other fundamental aspects of giving: giving our time and resources beyond finances.
A few years ago, my husband and I found ourselves in a season when we desperately needed time, just the two of us. We didn't need an extravagant vacation—we just needed time together in a place that invited stillness and quiet.
As I prayed for the Lord to open the door to a place to go, I searched online for cabins, and to my dismay, the prices were astronomical. I thought, 'Well, this isn't going to work, and on such limited time, how will we ever find a place?' But I also felt very strongly that we needed to be in a "secluded" place.
It was as if a light bulb went off; we have dear friends who own a few cabins. I toiled with the thought, "Is it weird to ask if we could use a cabin, or worse - is it rude?" Sitting with those feelings, I felt the Lord nudge me to ask. So, I sent the text, "We're having a 911 need to get away, just the two of us, in a quiet secluded place emergency." To my surprise, the wife sent a message back, "What dates do you need?" I couldn't believe it!!! I sat on the bed, shocked with tears flowing.
We set the dates, paid for the cleaning fees, and were able to get away for the few days our marriage so desperately needed. They provided a place for us, they gave without hesitation, and while it wasn't an offering of money, so to speak, it did cost them financially not to charge us what it would typically cost a renter!
God nudged their hearts to give, and in turn, their giving blessed our marriage.
I love these few Scriptures that paint a beautiful picture of the blessing of giving:
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:3-8
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
When we give on behalf of the Spirit of God, a well of joy swells within us. Sometimes, the request from the Lord may seem too big for us to accomplish (and sometimes that's the point), but the spiritual reward on the other side of our obedience is a beautiful thing. When we sow the seeds of God with hearts trusting He will provide, we see fruit. Fruit in our life, and there will be fruit for the person being blessed.
The saying is true: "It's a blessing to be a blessing." I've never regretted blessing someone. When the Spirit of God moves to bless, it produces great joy.
Let's pray:
Father God, make me a believer who gives cheerfully and trusts you to provide what is needed to make the blessing happen. As I journey through life, I pray to be someone others know they can count on if they are in a time of need. Whether they need the gift of time, specific resources, or financial assistance, I pray to be a blessing. Lord, I also pray that when I or my family is in need, you will bring others alongside who can help. You are the God of provision, Jehovah-Jireh. You will make ways when it seems there is no way. Make me a trusting vessel, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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