Tuesday, June 28, 2011

But It's MY Money


And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippans 4:19 NIV

My fist clutched the coins. Clink, clink. My grasp loosened and the coins dropped into the plate.

Mom and Dad had taught me to give some money in Sunday school class each week when the teacher collected the kids' offering. I took the quarters from my allowance and put them in the plate. It was normal. It was how I was taught. I didn't give a second thought to obeying my parents expectations.

One day I heard about "tithing" -- giving 10% of my income to the church. "There's no way I can do that. I need my money. Besides, I earned it." My clutch tightened around the money I needed for bills. This was a new concept and I needed to learn.

The pastor preached that the Bible mentioned money more than any other subject. I bristled, not wanting to hear any more. "Tithe your resources to the church in terms of talent, time, and money," he said. The first two I accepted. I got involved in Bible study and volunteered at church. But my money was exactly that-mine.

Years later, God raised the topic again. A pastor on Christian radio shared God's challenge to test Him regarding our finances, to learn that God would provide our needs. Did God want me to test Him? I wondered. Unsure, I tried it, committing to give 10% of my check to the church.

I figured it couldn't last because I needed money to live. But God surprised me. He provided all my needs. Maybe God's promise really was true and He would take care of me. I've put Him first ever since-even with my finances. And He never fails me.

Are you afraid to loosen your grip? Our earthly possessions are just on loan. Take a risk and trust Christ. He just might surprise you.

4 comments:

Carol Anne Wright Swett said...

Ellen, what a timely post in this era of economic uncertainty. As an almost lifelong tither, I am always humbled when I realize the decision to trust implicitly and explicitly never gets any easier! May your word prompt others to choose trust over certainty.

Ellen Andersen said...

I hope it will, even though, as you said, trust isn't easy--especially when we're not in control. God is though.

Vonda Skelton said...

Great testimony of God's provision. Thanks for sharing it!

Ellen Andersen said...

Thanks Vonda.