God will make you rich enough so that you can always be generous. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (GW)
When John and I first got married, we lived through lean years. I’d been a single mom, so John took on an instant family. He was in college, and we lived in low income housing. John delivered pizza at night to make ends meet. I didn’t have much to offer to others, but I did have time and love.
I’d often babysit for friends for just a few dollars an hour. I know this helped them, and my kids enjoyed it too. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of care that came back.
When we were low on groceries, bags of food appeared on the doorstep. An older man from church often stopped by with pizza. I received hand-me-down clothes from friends.
Like the little boy with the loaves and fish, we tend to look at what we have and see a problem with trying to be generous. Jesus looks at our willingness and knows His ability. A willing heart and open hands opens the door to His storehouse of provision—a storehouse that has an endless supply. What do you have to share? Your time, affection, your child’s hand-me-downs? The little you have, with Jesus, is more than enough.
Faith step: Look at your closet, bookshelf or cupboards and find something—even one thing—to share with a friend in need.
Tricia Goyer has written more than 35 books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and nonfiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts, Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.
