Several years ago, the church I was attending had a huge push for financial giving as there were multiple projects that needed to be funded. Although I was working at the time, I was struggling to make ends meet, but after hearing stories of how God had provided for many who chose to give abundantly, I decided to do the same. You may have heard–like I had–the stories of how someone gave more than they really could afford, and then the next week they received an anonymous check in the mail for exactly the amount of a bill they had. I was sure that if I gave, God would instantly bless me and my finances, and it would all work out. Well, a few weeks later I ended up overdrawing my checking account and continued to struggle financially. I was disappointed and honestly angry at God. I had given to Him, so where was my earthly reward? An overdraft fee didn’t seem like much of a reward to me.
Since then, I’ve come to see the errors in my thinking. I have been lavished with grace from God and out of that grace should come giving. Instead, I thought that if I gave, I would get more from God. I had expectations of how He should work based on my obedience. I made the decision to give from a motivation that God would provide something financial for me in return. I should have given out of thoughtful prayer and trust in God’s goodness, regardless of the outcome.
The widow who helped Elijah in I Kings 17 with the last of her oil and flour was promised that “the jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry,” but she still had to trust that God would provide. She gave anyway. The poor widow who gave two coins in the offering plate (Mark 12:42) wasn’t guaranteed health and wealth because of her generosity. And we don’t find out what happens to her.
We can’t know how God will bless us when we are obedient in giving. It might be on this Earth, and it might be in Heaven. I can guarantee you that it won’t be in the way you expect.
Despite the financial struggles, I’m still glad that I chose to give. I learned so much about God and myself through that experience. I now am more in tune with my motives when I do something–whether that’s giving financially, of my time or other resources. I check to make sure I am giving with a cheerful heart and not with expectation of something in return. I can now see the goodness of God in that overdraft fee. He had something much bigger to teach me.
Let’s give generously, not to get something in return, but because God has given so generously to us.
ABOUT OUR BLOGGER
Danielle (Dani) Rupp grew up in a small town in Ohio and is a true Buckeye fan, though she tries not to be obnoxious about it. In 2011 she came to PA to earn her Master of Social Work degree. After graduation Dani accepted a position as a mental health therapist for children and adolescents in Coatesville. She was a nanny for several years as well. During that time she lived in Kennett Square and attended Willowdale Chapel. She returned several years ago from South Asia where she learned to tolerate spicy food and cross the roads without being hit, as well as volunteered with International Justice Mission in their Aftercare Department. In her free time, Dani enjoys going on mission trips/traveling, running, reading, and connecting with loved ones—preferably over coffee and a sweet treat.