Circumstance And Evidence.

On this past Sunday, Dr. Norman shared part of his testimony concerning his response to God’s call to give. Our guest speaker said that when God asked him to give more to ministry efforts, his initial response was to look at his circumstances. The extreme indebtedness of his family, along with the looming costs of three children nearing college age, initially caused Dr. Norman to take a negative stance toward giving to God.

Are we in the same situation today?

Our God has called Bronx Bethany to prepare a building for the children and youth of our community. Our prayer is to raise at least another $250,000 (or, ideally, $450,000) by next Sunday. We are challenged, individually and corporately, to band together and give towards this goal.

Do you see it happening? Or do you see a thousand reasons why it can't or won't happen?

Dr. Norman reminded us that the apostle Paul did not browbeat any of the churches he visited. Instead, Paul had this stance toward giving: Friends, do what you can with what you have. That is our task. And that is what we do, regardless of our individual circumstances.

We can do this because, far above the realm of circumstances, we see life through the realm of faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)  Those of us who were in last weekend's English-language services heard testimonies, some in person and some on video, of men and women whose faith in God's power transcended their seemingly hopeless circumstances.

In the midst of indebtedness, the Spirit of God inspired Dr. Norman and his family to embrace the grace of giving. They eventually obeyed by faith and through action, and experienced the joy of doing what God led them to do. If our giving is, as our speaker said, a spiritual decision, then we can rest in God regardless of the circumstances we face.

Have faith. Trust God.

Lord God, I pray that You will encourage us to give.  You, great Giver of life and all good things, have called Your children to reflect Your character. We pray that You will transform and change us from obligated donors to joyful givers.