Freely Speaking with Marge

“One person gives freely; yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty” (Proverbs 11:24 NIV).

From a human, logical standpoint, this verse makes no sense. How can you give away your money and gain more?

As a lifelong tither, many years of experience have proven the truth in this scripture. However, at one point in my life, thirty years ago, we quit tithing and started occasionally tipping God when we had extra money. Big mistake. One day as I was praying, the still, small voice impressed me to start tithing again. I started the following week though our atrocious financial status made this move seem illogical.

For a few weeks, I wrote tithes checks and rejoiced when I placed them in the offering. One day I wrote the house payment check and the tithes check, but I only had enough for the house payment. I was determined to trust God and watch Him provide.

The next morning, my mother-in-law called from San Diego. She would be visiting the next week and asked Jeff if he would grill steaks. He responded affirmatively, but I cringed. I had bought food for her visit, and it didn’t include steak.

That afternoon when the mail arrived, there was a card with a $100 check from Jeff’s mom. Steak was much cheaper than the crazy high cost of today. I had money to cover the $60 tithes check and enough left to buy extra groceries for the family cookout. Before I had even asked, God had provided.

The Bible says our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and that day, He shared some of His beef to work a financial miracle for my family. It reminds me that Father God, creator of the universe, is not only a loving God but all-powerful and majestic. He is the giver of life, redemption, and certainly the financial blesser.

God is faithful and brings abundance when we give. Would you share how giving impacted your life?