Exodus 21; Luke 24; Job 39; 2 Cor 9

“But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give.  And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.  “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”  And God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.  As Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor.  Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”  For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat.  In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NLT

My level of generosity is a barometer for how much I am trusting God.  If my faith is weak, I find myself holding onto things more tightly and worry creeps in.  Reflecting on God’s goodness gives me a new perspective.  It helps me to remember that everything I have is a gift from him.  Which gives me the freedom to let go of it.

“Can you hitch a wild ox to a plow? Will it plow a field for you? Given its strength, can you trust it? Can you leave and trust the ox to do your work? Can you rely on it to bring home your grain and deliver it to your threshing floor? “Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle rises to the heights to make its nest?”   Job 39:10-27 NLT

I find myself having to learn the same lesson as Job, over and over again.  That God is ultimately in control.  That he is the one who supplies everything I need.

“Then some women from our group of followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report.  They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to seem and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.  Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Luke 24:22-26 NLT

I can forget all that God has done, as quickly this group of Jesus’s followers.  And ungratefulness starts to creep in.

Dear Father, Forgive me for my unbelief.  Thank you for your provision.  That it’s really all about you and giving you the glory. Help me not to lose sight of that. I want to live with an eternal perspective.  You are faithful. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

 

 

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