REWARD AFTER STRUGGLES [Part 7]
SONG
What shall I give unto the Lord
All I have to say is thank You Lord
Thank You Lord, thank You Lord
All I have to say is thank You Lord
TEXT
"The liberal soul shall be made fat, He that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Proverbs chapter 11 verse 25)
We've looked at our topic from different angles as they relate to our lives, such as endurance, service, suffering and giving. I will like to draw a conclusion to it at this very juncture by making more emphasis on giving.
The Bible teaches us a great lesson, that to have, we must give; to accumulate, we must scatter; and to make ourselves happy, we must make others happy. The Bible says in Proverbs chapter 11 verse 24, that
"There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."
I said in the last message that 'Giving is a spiritual phenomenon that brings about great benefits.'
For instance, the poor widow of Zarephath did not hold back what she had left for herself and her son to eat and die, but she gave from her scanty store a supply for the prophet’s wants. She knew that God could do the impossible. Like the widow, we must learn to trust God knowing that as the greatest Provider, He will meet all our needs even in the most difficult situations of life.
The Bible says that "she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days." (First Kings chapter 7 verse 15) From here, we understand that after she had fed the man of God, she never again lacked any supply.
It is said that faith’s way of gaining is giving. This is what many people do not understand.
King Solomon was another perfect example. He sacrificed so bountifully unto God and at the end, he was rewarded; God gave him much more than he asked for. (See Second Chronicles chapter 1 verses 6 to 7)
Is there anything the Lord is asking you to give today? What do you have in your hand that you can use to bless someone else? Take a step of faith and set the blessing of God into motion. Don't hold back, do it right away. As you give, He will never leave you unrewarded.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You have done so much for me in every area of my life, help me to reciprocate, in Jesus Mighty name.