Have you ever been given an abundance of something you were asking for, or maybe didn’t even ask for?
It’s crazy amazing when it happens. You know what the best part of it is? We can now bless others. Let me tell you a story…
There once was a little girl so full of joy and generosity. She knew everyone’s names at school and would always greet them with a smile. One day she received a small box of chocolates from her father serving in the military overseas. He had made sure there was enough to eat for a whole week. “I hope you enjoy this delicious treat. It is the best chocolate I have ever had,” the note read. She was so excited: it was just the right amount to share with her friends at school.
The next morning every teacher had a fresh German chocolate bar on their desk. During recess there was a new girl sitting on a swing by herself who looked very sad. She went over and sat on the swing beside her. “Would you like something to cheer you up? Here. It’s really good. It is from Germany.” The new girl smiled, and they began to talk excitedly, getting to know each other; that day they both made a new friend.
It is so hard sometimes to not be possessive about the things we have, but they were never meant to be held on to with white knuckles. In fact, you might need a heart check if that is what you are doing.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
You see, God loves to care for you and give you the things you love, but should we not learn how to pass on the love He pours out on us? Sometimes He might bless you to see how you will use what He gives you. Will you horde it all for yourself, or will you give it away?
I remember when I first got to YWAM Lynchburg I was stingy with my possessions and food; I was trying to save money and use my things sparingly. I was actually living out of fear and not trusting God to do what He literally promises to do, provide all our needs. If we as believers actually believe God’s heart is for us to care for and bless those around us, then it should be easy to bless others with what we have. If we are walking in His will unselfishly, He will bless us with more. It reminds me of the story of the talents in Matt. 25:14-28 and how each servant was given different amounts of money to steward; how they responded to the money was how they were blessed with more or less.
How are we stewarding the possessions God has given us? Are we hording or being selfish, or are we sharing and blessing others. Do we trust God to care for us as we are obedient to care for others?
Check out Acts 2:44-45, Deuteronomy 10:18, and Matthew 25:34-46.
This week start with asking God to give you an opportunity to bless someone. Just a warning though, if you ask you better be sure to do what He gives you; He will only trust those who are trustworthy. Please tell us in the comments about the opportunities you had; I am excited to hear from you.
