Nicki Schara / Women’s Ministry Assistant
This year, thanks to my wonderful accountant, I received a considerable tax refund. When I heard the news I grew excited about all the things I could do with the money: buy some of the items I normally can’t afford during the year, put some in savings, get ahead on tuition payments, travel … and perhaps, if I chose wisely, I could even afford a couple of those things. The money was already budgeted and mentally spent before I even received it.
A couple days later I felt God nudging me to give it away. At first I had many excuses of why I couldn’t and shouldn’t have to give it away. After all it was MY money that I worked hard for and I should be able to spend it on MYSELF. The nudging persisted; I reworked my budget and decided I could give half away. God was not satisfied with that answer though—He wanted it all. I finally relented and said goodbye to my selfish plans and worldly desires and gave it all away. I suppose it’s a good thing the federal government doesn’t issue refunds overnight. To my unexpected surprise it was quite freeing and joyful.
It has been a couple weeks and I have been amazed and blown away by the result of my [eventual] obedience. I have received in unexpected and random ways [at least] three times over what I gave away. Wow! What a humbling experience that makes me wonder why I even questioned in the first place. I was reminded that God blesses those who bless others. I didn’t give to receive [I actually had no idea what God had up His sleeve] but gave in obedience to help bless others and in doing so God has blessed me beyond measure.
A couple days later I felt God nudging me to give it away. At first I had many excuses of why I couldn’t and shouldn’t have to give it away. After all it was MY money that I worked hard for and I should be able to spend it on MYSELF. The nudging persisted; I reworked my budget and decided I could give half away. God was not satisfied with that answer though—He wanted it all. I finally relented and said goodbye to my selfish plans and worldly desires and gave it all away. I suppose it’s a good thing the federal government doesn’t issue refunds overnight. To my unexpected surprise it was quite freeing and joyful.
It has been a couple weeks and I have been amazed and blown away by the result of my [eventual] obedience. I have received in unexpected and random ways [at least] three times over what I gave away. Wow! What a humbling experience that makes me wonder why I even questioned in the first place. I was reminded that God blesses those who bless others. I didn’t give to receive [I actually had no idea what God had up His sleeve] but gave in obedience to help bless others and in doing so God has blessed me beyond measure.