A few years back, I kept a garden – nothing major; some tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and cooking herbs. It took a lot of work and consistency. In the spring, I prepped the soil, pulled weeds, tilled the soil, and then waited for all the cold weather to pass before planting seeds. I would first place the seeds in water and let them sprout a bit. I then planted the seeds, gave the soil nutrients, and watered them. I was expecting to see growth. Not only growth, but eventually something tasty to eat! Why did I expect that? Well, because I planted seeds! The Bible tells us that it’s the same with giving a financial seed.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[c] 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Sowing a financial seed, will turn into a financial crop! When you give, it says you will have EVERYTHING you need. It says He will provide GENEROUSLY. Enough for you, and even enough to share with others! How cool is that?
2 Corinthians 9:10
“ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity[e] in you.”
It’s His money to begin with, right? But, fiscally speaking, it’s haaaaard to give these days. With taxes on everything, bills, grocery prices on the rise, and so many other things that scream for our financial attention – is there anything left over? But if the Lord provides in the first place – I mean, he gave us LIFE and the gifts and talents we use to make money – surely we can trust Him in this.
I challenge you to trust Him in this.
In fact, in Malachi 3:10 it says “Test me in this!” Wait, can we test God?? We can if He tells us to! 😊 He not only provides the seed to sow, but as we walk in that obedience, it says “He will produce a great harvest of generosity IN us”. The more we give, the more we want to give more! As we give, and grow that desire even more to give, the seeds turn into harvest! Talk about finances working on our behalf!
2 Corinthians 9:11-12
“ Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem[f] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
What are you in need of today? Whatever is may be: time, money, a friendship, healing, an answer to a hard decision… pray and ask God how you can sow into His Kingdom with what you have (ask for creativity & wisdom). It might be using your weekly “treat yo’ self” money and blessing someone who is struggling to buy groceries, or sacrificing an hour of your day to spend with someone who needs a friend, or maybe lending a helping hand with a skill you have that someone else is lacking. He is faithful to guide you to what that is, and once you “decide in your heart” and act on it, He will bless you abundantly more than you can think or ask for your obedience!
Our obedience in this does not only bless God, but it fills a natural need for others, with natural means. In return, the ones we had the opportunity to give to, will bless (thank) God for meeting their need THROUGH us, His body.
Don’t hesitate to sow into what the Holy Spirit is guiding you into, be patient, keep doing the good work, and expect an abundant harvest in return!
Proverbs 3:9-10
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
