In the first month of Covid, I was getting caught up in all of the unemployment and "what if's". You know, the devil can really use the "what if's" and they rarely happen! I began to think about the times when money was tight and an unexpected bill would come. I would get ready to stress about it and then remember God's faithfulness through many other situations. Sure enough, a check would come in the mail, often for that exact amount. There was no way, many times, that things should have worked out. They didn't on paper but God can do supernatural things! God gives us financial peace in uncertain times.
During these times we cannot focus on the problem but the Problem Solver. 2 Corinthians 4: 18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” What does this mean to me at this time? This pandemic is temporary but our faith and trust in God is eternal. God is constant! Use this time to focus on God and watch your faith grow. This pandemic is no surprise to God and He knows when it will be over. He sees the big picture and knows what good will come from it for those who love Him. Romans 8: 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
I heard someone say prior to social distancing, when asked if they were going to church that night, "I'm not feeling it." I get it. I think we have all felt that way but hopefully you know that is when you need it the most. I think the same is true with our giving. When the future seems so uncertain and so many businesses are closing, we're not feeling it. Let's remember in these uncertain times what is certain! God! And only God! He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Hebrews 13: 18, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." God is our source of security - not the economy!
Even though we do not know what the future holds we do know Who holds the future. We are to honor God with our obedience through His tithes and our offerings. Malachi 3: 10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. The storehouse is where we worship our church. People speak of supporting local business, well churches are still very much “in business” of supporting God’s Kingdom and appreciate your generosity. Now, more than ever, churches have had to spend more on equipment and devices to continue ministries through new and exciting ways!
Give to God first and trust Him to take care of everything else! More importantly than the churches needing money, when we give God His tithe, it is a sign that we trust and believe in Him. Proverbs 3: 9-10, "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." Tithing is an act of faith. It shows God where our heart is, especially in uncertain times.
Even in these times, we are to give consistently to God. 1 Corinthians 16: 2, "On the first day of every week,each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." It does not say when the economy is good or when we feel like it. It says, on the first day of every week!
Let's not focus on what we do not have but what we do have! We have family, friends, church, health, a roof over our head, food, beautiful creation to enjoy and so many other things! 1 Chronicles 16: 34, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Our Father is the King of Kings and He calls us His children. 1 John 3: 1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" He loves us and cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Wow, we really do have a lot to be thankful for! At times like this, let's remember our obedience and gratitude to God.