GenerositySample

God The Provider

Five years ago, I bought a business with some friends. It was a big step of faith. The most challenging part wasn’t actually buying the business itself; it was quitting my very comfortable job so I could invest time and effort in growing it.

One morning, I was driving to work, thinking that yet again that I needed to get the spreadsheet out to check I had shaved off every unnecessary cost so I could afford to take this leap of faith. Then I felt the Holy Spirit say, ‘You can do that, but spreadsheets and budgets will not provide for you. That’s my job. It’s my responsibility.’ My heart flooded with peace as I sat in that revelation. I could manipulate the numbers as much as I wanted but it would only serve to fuel my worry.

There’s wisdom in living within your means, but not when it becomes your focus and you leave nothing on the edges for others. That’s what I love about this verse. God provides instructions for us to manage our finances in a way that encourages us to be generous. Not because it’s a good thing to do (which it is) but because of the six words at the end of that verse – ‘I am the Lord your God’. You could put it this way: ‘Leave them for the poor and foreigners, for I am your provider.’ Not your money. Not your spreadsheets. Not your calculators or accountants. God is our provider. And because He is our provider, our choice to be generous should be habitual and joyful.

Written by NERI MORRIS