Apr 08
Today’s Truth
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.
2 Corinthians 9:11
Friend to Friend
He sorted through the mail, pressed the latest bill onto the table, and looked at me with compassion in his eyes. He knew full well that our medical debt stirred up huge amounts of anxiety within me.
“We’ll get through this.” He assured.
I wasn’t so sure.
What happened to us? How did we get here? And how would we ever get through it?
The truth is, we had encountered one crisis after another through no fault of our own. And, the truth was, we had become inconsistent stewards and hit-and-miss tithers. All because of fear. But when is fear ever a good motivator for a Christian?
We decided that we needed to live like God’s promises were true, or we need to quit calling ourselves believers. If we can trust Jesus with our eternity, surely we can trust Him with our finances, right?
We got down on our knees together, bowed our heads, and asked God’s forgiveness for allowing our fears to get in the way of our obedience. Then we resolved right then and there never to hold back the tithe. I thought to myself, God must being smiling big right now. Obedience feels good.
But He wasn’t finished with us yet. He whispered to both our hearts, I also want you to keep an eye open for those around you. No matter what season of life you find yourself, there’ll always be someone within your reach that you can help. You always posses more than you know and I intend to meet some of the world’s needs through you.
That moment changed everything for us. We got up from that place and determined to ever be on the lookout for those who need what God has given to us.
I host a daily talk show on Faith Radio called Live the Promise. Andy Crouch joined me on the show awhile back and he talked about the importance of stewarding the power that God has entrusted to us. Some use their power in a corrupt way. They leverage their position to benefit themselves even though others may pay a price.
But Jesus did the exact opposite. He leveraged His power and it cost Him everything, that we might gain eternity and then some. What love!
Once Andy established that we all have power and influence in varying degrees, he posed a question that I’ll not soon forget. He said we must dare to ask ourselves: Who flourishes because I have power?
Who flourishes because God has been good to me?
It’s easy to commit the sin of comparison and come up lacking compared to those who seem to have it all. But truly, we’re more blessed than we know, and more influential than we can fathom.
God delegates to each of us a measure of influence and power. One day we’ll give an account for how we’ve stewarded our time, treasures, and talents. And since that’s true, we must consider this weighty question today: Who is blessed because I’ve been blessed?
May we live generously and wholeheartedly because we serve a God in heaven who has been so very good to us.
Let’s Pray
Precious Lord, You have been good to me. Thank you for the countless blessings I enjoy. Help me, Lord, to live a generous, grateful life. Forgive me for the countless times I’ve committed the sin of comparison. I am rich beyond measure and blessed beyond comprehension; all because of You. Give me a vision for what You want to accomplish through me, who You want to bless through me, and where You want me to go, because You have been good to me. Here I am, Lord, send me, use me, and change me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Who flourishes because I have power?
In what ways is God calling me to grow in generosity?
More from the Girlfriends
In her book, Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith, Susie Larson will help you learn how to boldly come before the throne of God with confidence and power. Visit Susie’s website for more information about her ministry and resources.
Such a good reminder. We flourish when we steward our gifts for Him. And I want to spread hope and joy wherever I go to reflect His heart.
Melynda, I sure love your heart! And God loves it even more! May God surprise you with a fresh perspective on how rich you are in Him. He intends to use you greatly.
Funny how the Lord is always at work, gotta love a God that loves us like He does. I’ve been struggling and praying about this very subject and am even considering a part-time job to go with my full-time job for the first time in 25 years. I am close to retirement now and it seems goofy to think of a part-time job now, but I’m on my own and just have no extra $ to do anything extra – even though I could fly the world for FREE I can’t afford to fly anywhere. Oh Lord, forgive my lack of trust, you have always provided faithfully and I know you will continue to provide faithfully. Help my unbelief. Help me to hear your voice and follow your leading.
Penny, Such a beautiful, heartfelt response. May Jesus open the floodgates for you and provide for you in ways you never dreamed possible!
What a wonderful, humbling post. Convicting. I prayed the prayer 🙂
Thank you for sharing. Have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year <3
Kim, Thanks for your note. And may YOU also have a blessed and beautiful Christmas and New Year. 🙂
This hits home and gives me something to meditate on. Thank you
Carol, thanks so much for your note. I do pray that God awakens fresh faith and expectancy in you! He’s always up to something NEW! Bless you!
So happy to see your presentation is of such an important truth!
Christina, Thank you and bless you! Have a precious and beautiful Christmas season! And may God Himself awaken you to all you possess in Him! Blessings to you.
Thank you Susie for once again offering an article full of truth and wisdom. I have been struggling with comparison of other family members and the support they give each while giving me none. This reminds me to be gartful for God has given and all the opportunity He provides. Thank you for you’r encouragement thar things get better we must turn and always have faith in our Heavenly Father.
Tanya
Dear Tanya, Thanks for such an honest post. I’ve SO been there. I battled the comparison thing for many years. Once I realized that God’s will for me is my best case scenario, I began to love my story, trusting that God would make it beautiful in His time. And He truly did. Bless you, dear sister!
Trusting He will and remembering how he has provided is medicine to the soul!
Dear Val, I SO agree! Trusting that He WILL and remembering that He HAS is medicine to my soul too! Bless you!
Thank you! I needed to read this today and I will be reading it to my husband. Have a Blessed Day.
Dear Teri, So grateful the post encouraged you! May God continue to strengthen and encourage your heart!
Thank you for sharing this powerful message today. I am needing to trust God with our finances as well, please continue to share these experiences with me. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Dear Kristi, I’m SO grateful the post encouraged you! God has been faithful and He will be faithful again! Merry Christmas to you as well!
Thank you Susie Larson for sharing!
Dear Angela, You are SO welcome! A very merry Christmas to you!
This is one area I lack of; however in the past year God has spoken to me to be more generous; and I’m learning to give as I want to obey his guideness; I might not have what I want , but I DO have what I need, and that is a blessing already, as many times I have more than what I need .
Thank you for the reminder.. and that exact frase of ” Who flourishes because God has been good to me? I pray that others will and God will used me.
Blessings.
Dear Dina, Bless you! I think it’s good for all of us to step back from time to time and remember just what you wrote: I may not have what I want at the moment but I do have what I need and that’s a great blessing! In the days ahead, may Jesus increasingly surprise and bless your dear grateful heart!
I try to live each day thankful for everything God has done for and through me, and to bless others as much as possible to show them His love for them.
That’s beautiful, Tammy! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this post. This is an issue I particularly have problems with, especially with the “hit & miss tithing”. I do give generously to others with my finances (if able), but especially with my time. There is a conviction to tithe 1st and then give out of the abundance of what He’s given me. I’ve been doing it the opposite way. I just finished your book “Your Purposeful Prayers” in a Bible Study. There was so much info in there that I’ve started rereading it Thank you for listening and obeying what God has you do and say.
Merry Christmas,
Kathy
Dear Kathy, Thank you so much for your honest post. And you know? There are varying opinions about the tithe and what it’s supposed to look like; this is just our story. But there is something truly powerful about offering the Lord our first and our best. I do pray you start to see a radical turnaround in your life as you open your hands and trust Him in ways you never dreamed possible. And I’m so grateful you’ve enjoyed the ‘Purpose’ book. Bless you, dear one!
Your words from God are a true blessing!
Dear Donna, I’m SO grateful! May God bless you richly this holiday season!
What a powerful reminder.Thank you for this. Your words always come just at the right time.
As I type this, I wipe away the tears. I just wrote a friend to tell the tales of the worst December ever. Mounting car repairs, hot water tank leak, and a dysfunctional furnace. Then I remember, I have multiple cars, I have water, and a furnace, and a roof over our heads(it isn’t leaking, just snow covered!) I should be thankful, because we do have so very much more. Have a blessed holiday.
Dear Michelle, Bless your heart! Those seasons are SO tough! And it does take courage to thank God while your heart is breaking and our soul is weary. May God Himself restore everything that’s broken and refresh your precious heart once again. We’ve walked through our share of those seasons and during one such season, He whispered something to my heart I’ll not soon forget: “Ingratitude–even when life is hard–makes you spiritually blind and deaf. If you want to see what I’m up to, and if you want to know My provision, thank Me in every season. It’ll bring life to your soul.” And it’s been so true for me. Bless you, dear one!
Dear Michelle,
YOU are the winner! Please visit my website store at http://www.susielarson.com and pick out a book of your choice. Then email me at: Susie@MyFaithRadio.com and tell me which book you chose and where to send it. Thank you and God bless you!
Hi Susie. I have heard you speak before. God bless you & thanks for your obedience. I love your heart & your blessings. I’m so encouraged by your post today on my daughters birthday. It is so easy to left fearcreep in about finances this time of year. With birthdays, celebrations & gift exchanges, it is a high volume $$ out. Thanks for the reminder to not worry & to not forsake the tithe. God is so generous with his provision for us & the least we can do is to be obedient. Merry Christmas. Blessings to you.
In Christ. Kathie Heil
Hi Susie. I have heard you speak before. God bless you & thanks for your obedience. I love your heart & your blessings. I’m so encouraged by your post today on my daughters birthday. It is so easy to left fearcreep in about finances this time of year. With birthdays, celebrations & gift exchanges, it is a high volume $$ out. Thanks for the reminder to not worry & to not forsake the tithe. God is so generous with his provision for us & the least we can do is to be obedient. Merry Christmas.
In Christ. Kathie Heil
Dear Kathie, I’m so very grateful you found encouragement here! Bless you! May God give you great peace as you follow His lead, every step of the way through this season. You are LOVED and you are BLESSED! Merry Christmas!
Susie, I so appreciate your articles, posts, radio programs and books.
Your blessings are awesome.
Your article above is so true. We can trust Him for our salvation
– why is it so hard for us to trust Him with everything else in our lives –
when all of it is under His control.
Many, many years ago, my husband and I had a foster baby we
picked up from the hospital at 3 days old. We had him for 7months and
had planned to adopt him when the judge gave him to his biological dad.
I was crushed and could not understand why God would remove him from
a loving two parent home to a biological dad who had supplied his biological
mother with drugs while she was pregnant. I had to remind myself that
His ways are not my ways, and He ultimately knows better and has a plan
for everything. I had to trust that just like I trust Him for my salvation and that
one day I will be with Him for eternity in heaven, I had to trust that He was
indeed in control over this little boy’s life and future away from me. I surrendered
my will for His. While I to this day do not know His plan for this child, I trust that
He has one.
Thanks for the reminder.
Blessings,
Sheila
Oh, wow, Sheila! What a story. Do you know my neice and her husband went through that exact same scenario. And what a precious gift you gave that child to love and care for him in the time you did. Who knows what seeds were planted in his heart during that time? May God Himself heal your heart and continue to use you greatly. And may you get to see a full circle moment with this dear boy’s story. Bless you.
Awesome reminder to live beyond what we see….love this one! AMEN
Thank you, dear Therese! May we all live beyond what we see! It’s a daily invitation. Bless you!
Thank you for sharing this link Susie. I have been unemployed for five months and under a growing pile of medical debt due to the chronic illness my daughter and I struggle with while I am a single parent. God has begun speaking to me about tithing on the gifts I have been living on during this very lean time. I had already made the choice to obey but this word encouraged my heart in it greatly!
Oh, dear Lisa, bless your heart! What a challenging season you’re in! God is near to you in this. May He show you His faithfulness and breakthrough in ways you never dreamed possible. I know gratitude is good for our hearts in every season, but what you’re dealing with is no small thing. Dear Jesus, lift her load, and surprise her with Your goodness! Bless you, Lisa.
Susie, Thank You for sharing. Definitely a word in due season. You have given me hope. It has been a very trying year for us in this area. Looking forward to reading your book! God bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Dear Tiffany, Thank you for your sweet note! I do pray you experience a major turnaround in your finances this year! May God give you wisdom from above as you take your next steps and may He grant your efforts great success. Blessings to you!
Susie,
Your daily prayers are a blessing to me. This is a challenging word for me. Our God is faithful and full of grace, which is good. Prayers for you as you temporarily have let go of your radio show to allow God to bring restoration. He uses you mightly in whatever forum you have. Blessings. I have yet to read one of your books… Maybe our next small group study…
Dear Joanne, Thank you so much for your sweet note and for your prayers. I’m back to work half-time and so grateful. I’ve turned the corner. I have a ways to go yet before I’m back to feeling like myself again, but I’m getting there! God bless you!
Thank you Sus for the beautiful message u shared. Thank u for being a blessing. God bless u more!
Dear Gretch, I love that you called me, ‘Sus’ – that’s what some of my closet friends call me! 🙂 Thanks for your sweet note. Many blessings to you this Christmas season!
Ms.Susie, You haves been such a blessing to me, from you Facebook prayers to your devotionals. Thank you for your obedience. I really needed this devotional. God has been so good to me and I am a faithful tether, but I am not on the look out everyday to be a blessing. I was convicted. Thanks! Blessings to you
Sorry for the typos. I am not good with smartphones haha
Dear Magan, I’m so grateful that the post spoke to you! Blessings to you! May God open your eyes even more in the days ahead to ALL you posses in Him! In Ephesians it says that we have access to all of the riches of heaven. Everything Jesus has, we have. Amazing. Bless you, dear one!
Susie, thanks for sharing this and blessing us daily. I was struck with the question “who will flourish because of my power?” I’ve never thought of it that way. I can bless others because I’ve been blessed. My husband and I are self-employed and have no insurance because it is so expensive. I keep getting bouts of diverticulitis and may need surgery. I have been anxious about this for the last few months. I will trust God for his provision and give when it doesn’t make sense. Blessings to you and your family!
Dear Nancy, I do pray that God heals and restores your health without surgery (so you can enjoy good health without the expense or pain of that surgery). You do have a lot on your shoulders. I know for me, when things feel too heavy for me to carry, I look up and ask God, “What part of this am I holding onto that’s intended for you? Show me what to release so I can walk with the light and easy yoke You’ve assigned for me.” And I’m telling you, it rarely makes sense to let go of legitimate concerns, but somehow, some way, He shows us how to responsibly tend to what’s ours and faithfully entrust Him with what’s His. Hope that helps. Love and blessings to you, dear one! May healing come suddenly! XXOO
Susie,
Your words are a reminder that although trust may be difficult due to past life experiences, if we truly believe, we must truly trust. My heart is filled…I’m learning to trust that he will show me how to better serve. In my professional life and personal life. I have always felt easily connected with your stories, thank you for your vulnerability and honesty. Sharing is caring and serves others well. Just love you girlfriend!
Mina Carlson
Lake Elmo, MN
Dear Mina, What a precious reply! Thank you! I love how you wrote, “If we truly believe, we must truly trust.” So true. May God make a way for you where there’s been no way and may you sing for joy as you wait for your breakthrough. Bless you!
Thank you for sharing truth. What a great reminder. He is so faithful and wants us to be obedient.
Dear Kellie, Thanks for your note! In the days ahead, may Jesus Himself overwhelm you with His goodness and His very specific answers to your prayers. Bless you!
Thank you for this timely reminder… obedience and blessings go hand in hand… God Bless!!!
Thank you for the reminder. Sometimes we (I) feel so powerless and truly it is a matter of perspective. Your article reminds me that I have been gifted with many things and the enemy would love to keep me focused on the “don’ts” as in I don’t have this etc. It also encourages me that there have been times when I have helped others flourish and feel grateful for that opportunity to help another as well as be a part of God’s plan.
Dear Jeri Ann, You are so welcome! I’m so grateful that the post encouraged you! And you’re so right; when we shift our gaze to God and to our many blessings, we’re less apt to be duped by the enemy; and, more likely to be greatly used by God. May He continue to do great things in and through you! Blessings to you~
Thank you for that beautiful pray. Much needed and appreciated. You have been such a blessing and encourager not only to me but many others.
Dear Julia, Thank you so much for your note. And your encouraging words! Have a blessed and merry Christmas!