About once a month or so, I’ve wanted to write a post about where I am with my relationship with all things God, religion, or church. It’s been such a sweet time of reflection and I’m thankful for you guys reading through that monthly post. You can read the previous ones if you’ve missed any in that series (My Initiator, Creator, Rescue, Savior, Church, Redeemer, and Tension). I call it a series, but they’re really sporadic and really only related because of the idea.
A little over two years ago, when I started living this ridiculous life that every now and then makes a little sense, someone told me, “You can’t out give God.” There were two thoughts that came to my head. First, you should tell that to the people I’m begging for money. Second, that’s neat, I’ll try and apply that IF I ever have money. What I began to learn was that this wasn’t just an observation of faith, but it is a Biblical promise God dishes out for His children. It really isn’t just something the pastor says at that quarterly budget Sunday.
I know there are financial hard times in life, and God uses those times to develop perseverance and faith. I also know there are “preachers” out there that say if you send “X” amount of dollars, then God will return it ten-fold. Somewhere between those is the promise God is issuing to His children. For example, when I came home from the World Race, I had a little over $200 in my checking account. I thought I was doing pretty well considering. A friend of mine invited me to a fundraiser for a non-profit and on the way, God told me to pull into the bank and withdraw $60. That was nearly a third of all I owned.
When I walked into the event, I kept a tight grip on my $60. It wasn’t until God reminded me that all the money I had was support raised and on top of that I’ve been telling people God would bless their generosity, but I still saw it as my money. I gave the $60 after feeling peace about it nearly two hours later. In the next 12 hours, two things happened. I’ve always dreamed of owning a Rick Rush print (big time sports artist with beautiful paintings and he happens to be one of my closest friend’s dad). Before I left that night, they told me his newest print was up for $60 and it had my name on it. That next morning I went to church and two families shook my hand with money in it. They gave me $120.
Another short one real fast. Before I left to come back to the Philippines this time, I sat down to do my budget. For the first time, I had all my money up front and felt more than confident about my finances. I budgeted out $1000, which was so generously donated by one family, to last me for 11 weeks (more than enough for out here). That next day I was out with friends for a meal, and God told me to pick up the tab. My friends made a huge fuss about me being a missionary and not having the money, but none of them fought me for the bill. I met with two families the next two days. Each told me they knew I had enough finances, but they wanted to make an investment in my future projects. Both gave me a check for $500 thus doubling my budget.
I don’t believe that God will always double what you give within 24 hours. I don’t believe God really even promises financial security or wealth either. If that’s what He was about, I’m sure His son wouldn’t have been born in a manger and His disciples wouldn’t have had to go hungry or clothes-less. But He does promise that we can never out give Him. No matter how much we think we’re sacrificing, He always seems to up the pot. I like to say He has perfect timing, but He always asks me to give at the worst times financially and most of the time, I talk myself out of giving. But, I can speak from experience, when we finally say “OK”, He’s really good about coming through.
As of now, I don’t need money, so don’t think I was setting you up for something. In fact, God has been teaching me a ton about generosity, and I may have to make even bigger financial sacrifices coming up, but I trust I’ll have an exciting story to tell. Unless of course, I back down. In that case, it’s pretty easy to out give zero…
