Trust and Geneorsity
What If God Changed Like Everything Else? Think about the things that have changed in your lifetime—technology, fashion, relationships, even the way we communicate. What was once groundbreaking quickly becomes outdated.
Now, imagine if God changed the way everything else does. What if He was unpredictable, shifting His standards, His promises, or His love? That would be terrifying! But here’s the good news:
God never changes. Malachi 3:6 says: "Because I, the Lord, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed." God’s unchanging nature is the foundation of His faithfulness. No matter how many times Israel turned away, He remained committed to His covenant. And the same is true for us today.
When We Feel Distant from God, have you ever felt far from God? Maybe you’ve wondered why He feels distant. But here’s the truth: if we feel distant, it’s not because God moved—we did. In Malachi 3:7, God says: "Return to me, and I will return to you." Israel had drifted from God through disobedience, and one of the clearest signs of their rebellion was how they handled their resources. They were robbing God by withholding their tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8). Their lack of giving wasn’t just about money—it revealed their hearts.
What Does Your Giving Reveal About You? The way we handle our resources is a direct reflection of our trust in God. Do we believe He is our provider, or do we cling to our possessions out of fear? In Malachi 3:10, God issues a challenge: "Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way," says the Lord of Armies. "See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure." This is the only place in Scripture where God invites us to test Him—to step out in faith and see how He provides. Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t a prosperity gospel message. God isn’t promising to make you rich. But He is promising to provide for His people in ways that go beyond financial gain.
How Does This Apply to Us Today? Under the Old Covenant, tithing was a law tied to the temple system. But under the New Covenant, Jesus calls us to something greater—not a legalistic obligation, but a life of radical generosity. Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver." The question isn’t "How much do I have to give?" but "How much do I get to give?"
A Life That Testifies to God's Faithfulness: When we trust God with our resources, we become a testimony to the world. Malachi 3:12 says:
"Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land." Our faithfulness to God isn’t just about us—it’s about showing the world His goodness. When we live generously, joyfully, and faithfully, people take notice.
Where Is God Calling You to Trust Him?
Are you holding back in your giving because of fear or doubt?
Have you drifted from God in areas beyond just finances—your time, priorities, or faith?
What would it look like to take a step of obedience today?