With the Global Impact Celebration now nearly a month behind us, some of us might find ourselves in a similar situation to Jack in this story from The Mission Society. Read on as we read about the challenges of remaining missional in a world that can give us second thoughts:

Jack had made a Faith Promise commitment at his church’s first Global Impact Celebration. Before he even got home he was having “buyer’s remorse.” For days he agonized over where the money was going to come from. He thought he had heard from God but now he wasn’t so sure. His wife suggested they put a jar on the kitchen counter and over the course of time collect the loose change or bills they had in their pockets. However, Jack felt sure that approach would not come close to meeting the amount he put on his card.

Jack came home after work one day and as his wife prepared the evening meal he stepped out on the deck to smoke a cigarette. She would not let him smoke in the house. As he was standing there, the Lord spoke to him and said, “Jack, you are burning up your Faith Promise.” Jack immediately stopped smoking and began to set aside the money that had been supporting his habit. He was amazed that the money saved more than covered the Faith Promise commitment made.

You may be thinking, “That’s great, but I don’t smoke. Where would my Faith Promise come from?” Jack’s story is but one example of how God works to fulfill His promise of provision. Consider a few more brief examples:

At a friend’s invitation, Deborah attended a party where they evaluated home products. Much to her surprise, she received a small check three weeks later in appreciation for her input into the evaluation process. It helped fulfill her Faith Promise commitment that year.

Janet and two other friends hold a giant yard sale three times in one year netting thousands of dollars for missions.

Tyler gave up drinking sodas at lunch and breaks enabling him to give hundreds of dollars in Faith Promise offerings.

Sue received a check in the mail. It turned out a relative that she had not seen in years had passed and he had generously bequeathed portions of his estate to more distant family members. She knew it was to be used for missions.

The way God works through those who make a Faith Promise commitment are as varied as the people through whom he works. There is no pattern to how he provides. In some cases he gives novel ideas on how to raise the funds, for others he may lead them to a lifestyle change, others may be asked to sacrifice, and sometimes he miraculously provides. But he does provide and along with the provision we find ourselves on a faith-building journey of immense worth.

Contemplation
Am I willing, like Jack and Tyler, to give up thing that I like in order to please God and be used by Him?

Prayer
Father, I acknowledge that you are the great provider. I look to you alone as the source of my provision. I know I can be generous for you are generous to me and I praise you for your abiding presence with me.