Poverty. Affliction. Trial. I have begun and erased this post three times already because the issues are so applicable and sensitive for to this generation. Yes we live with great blessing but seem to always totter on the edge of failure. No matter how hard we work we seem to be losing money rather than gaining.
This is not a new phenomenon the Bible records the Macedonian Churches going through this same affliction in 2Chronicles chapter 8. Paul describes the situation as not only affliction but "A great trial of affliction"; not only poverty but "deep poverty". He painted this picture in hopes to convey that even in the midst of great trials the grace of God brings joy and an abundance of riches that can be passed on.
The Macedonian churches did not sit and bemoan their situations or gather and decry the unjustness of Christs burden upon them. On the contrary He shows that their great affliction brought forth "the abundance of their joy' and their deep poverty "abounded unto their riches of liberality."
Even in trial these people found a way to be joyful and give like they had never given before. How is this possible? How did they give so much, emotionally and physically, even when they had so little? The answer is in the fifth verse.
"And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
They didn't begin by giving large offerings to support the ministry. They began by giving their will to the will of God. They didn't have any riches so they gave of their time and bodies and talents. These were saints that decided "Even if I lose all my earthly possessions I will still trust the Lord." They were like Job as he went through the same process.
Financial uncertainty is no new thing. The enemy knows that a man is concerned with providing for those he loves and so the devvil attacks our ability to provide first. The goal is to steal our joy. But while we are at our deepest moment of poverty if we will still decide to give what we have to God and the Ministry. Our time, our talents, our abilities and our joy like Job and the Macedonians, then God will be faithful to give us and abundance of blessings so that we may further His will on earth.
God Bless,
J.P. Ladd
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