Sacrificial Giving in Tough Economic Times

Psalm 4:5 - "Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD."

I love thinking about the Lord, and how He responds to us. He must chuckle sometimes at the lack of trust that we put in Him. He has shown us time and time again that He is faithful, and for whatever the reason we struggle to believe that He is there, that He knows, that He cares, and that He is not surprised. God is worthy of our trust. And, He is worthy of our sacrifices.

The other day I was talking with someone who has had a history of making great sacrifices to the Lord. This person was grieving because he was no longer able to sacrifice the way that he had in the past. Uncertain economic times mean different things to different people. While some people are concerned about not going on the vacations that they used to go on, or that they would have to wait a little longer to purchase their luxury vehicle, this person was upset because he couldn't sacrfice to the Lord in the way that he once had. God knew his heart. And, I believe that God was more than satisfied by the way that this man lived his life. The man was trusting the Lord that a day would come when he'd be able to sacrifice like never before. Then he began to think that maybe he could sacrifice in ways that he hadn't before. He started to think about new ministries, new ways to serve God by serving others, and about the time that he spends with God. And, he was energized.

What do you sacrifice for the Lord? Does your life show that you are prioritizing your relationship with God above all else? If not, sacrifice that which gets in the way and trust God. He wants to do great things in you. And, He wants to show you amazing things.

Dear Heavenly Father,

To You we owe our lives and everything we have. You have demonstrated what true sacrifice is all about. You gave Your Son so that we might experience forgiveness and life everlasting. Help us to honor You in all that we do.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.