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From Your Hand

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.” 1 Chronicles 29:14-16

Twice in my tenure at my home church we did a major building program. We had a fund-raising group come and guide us in that part of the process. One of the principles I will never forget is that the first people they wanted to meet with were me, the staff and the board. Their point was this: if we as key leaders do not give sacrificially toward this project, why should the people? But when the people saw the level of sacrifice we as a group were making, they were encouraged.

There was a greater lesson we were reminded of during that time. When we spoke of “sacrifice” in giving to these projects, we were reminded that all we have belongs to the Lord; therefore, if the project is of Him, it is no sacrifice at all. It is a matter of simply trusting Him to provide through us the means to accomplish His purposes. When we think and talk as if we are providing the funds, we are seeing ourselves as owners. But when we think and talk as if we have the opportunity to participate in what God is doing, we demonstrate that we see ourselves as stewards of what belongs to God.

How do you view yourself and the possessions under your control? When we honor the Lord by commonly giving as He directs, our needs are met and His will is done.

Prayer Focus: Father, thank You for providing all things for us and our good. Remind us always that we are stewards, not owners, that all things belong to You. And help us to be as generous toward You and others as You have been to us.

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