2 Corinthians 8:1-15

“You’re not going to believe this!” Paul tells the Corinthians. The Macedonian churches, although in the midst of affliction and poverty, gave generously to aid Christians in Jerusalem. Paul attributes this amazing provision to the grace of God. Pastor Dave noted that this is often how God operates. God provides when the situation looks hopeless, when there can be no doubt that He is the one at work. “This is the God we serve,” Dave said. “He can feed 5,000 with two fish and five loaves, He can make someone (Abraham) wealthy in a famine, and He can win a battle with 300 men and a fraidy-cat general (Gideon).” What are you facing that leaves you groaning, “There’s no way …” ? Talk to God about your seemingly hopeless situation.

Before the Lord, consider your own attitude about giving. In this week’s passage, Paul teaches that giving is not about dollar amounts but about heart attitudes. Do I give with the attitude of the Macedonian churches – first giving myself to You, Lord; seeing giving as participating in Your grace; overflowing with joy? Help me follow Paul’s instruction and the Macedonians’ example. I want to be ready to participate in Your acts of grace.

Dave noted that God has done an amazing thing for us by using the Great Recession of 2008 to provide us with a new building. Now we need to hear and heed Paul’s instruction to “finish what you’ve started.” We are very close to breaking ground on a new worship center but are still in need of funds to cover the whole cost. Our natural response is to say, “But this is a terrible time! We’re experiencing affliction!” Remember that God works in unexpected ways. Someone shared with me that she had recently calculated how much money she is not spending because of the stay-at-home orders. As she listened to Dave’s sermon, she had a Holy Spirit “light bulb” moment, realizing that God may have a purpose for that extra money. Ask God to move, starting with you and your own heart.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea

This is the abbreviated Prayer Blog, for the complete prayer blog subscribe below.

SUBSCRIBE