Grace in Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 ESV
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — see that you excel in this act of grace also.

I notice a few things about the church in Macedonia and their giving.
A) They themselves were in affliction and poverty.
B) They gave beyond their means.
C) They begged for the opportunity to help other Christians.
D) They submitted to God and then to church leaders.
E) They found joy in the act of giving.

With the way our economy is I find this section of scripture very appropriate. The dollar has been losing value overseas long before we here in the states have felt the pinch. What that means is that missionaries that we support have technically have had their funding cut.

This is now our chance to shine, or moreover, to let God demonstrate his awesome power. Can we be like the Macedonians? Can we be like the Philippians? Can we count on God to provide and give to our missionaries overseas while we are in economic unrest?

Look at the qualities I listed. How many of us failed to keep up even during our "wealthy" times? Personally I have found that my giving increased as my salary decreased, but still all the needs of my family have been met. We know that God is in control, we know that He meets our needs, but do we live that way?

Here's the challenge: if you give to missions, try to increase what you give - even if it is a few dollars a week (give up that DD or Starbucks coffee once a week for missions). If you haven't given to missions, please start. Once again, if it's only a few dollars it will help. There are missionaries leaving the field because they can't afford to live in the areas to where they were called.