“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (NIV)
We, as believers, have learned through trial and error that Jesus’ ways are better than our ways. One of the important lessons for us is to stop saying to ourselves that we will “figure it out” when something seemingly insurmountable challenges us. We need to get on our knees and ask God to reveal His wisdom to help us overcome.
God wants us to give all our lives to Him just as He gave His son for all of us. That includes the good and the not-so-good. Many of us have heard the teaching that says, “All means all.” The more conscious effort we make to open our hearts and minds to a deeper relationship with Jesus, the more His influence will guide us towards better decisions.
One of the prime areas where we need to apply this principle is with our finances. How many of you have experienced this truth? As long as your hands are closed and your fists are clenched, you are not able to give or receive. In God’s Economy, we learn to open our hands to give, and those same open hands are then available to receive tremendous blessings.
We cannot out-give the Father; the blessings come in many forms. There are amazing stories regarding money, health, sobriety, and relationships where the circumstances seemed overwhelming. In the face of knowing no worldly way to effect a positive change, it is the Lord who wisely counsels in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (NIV)
He gives us perspective along with His understanding. With the Holy Spirit in our corner to coach, encourage, and comfort us, we can be confident that there is always a path that leads to freedom from our fears and anxieties.
At the same time, God tells us in Luke 6:38 that we are responsible for being givers and servants to the needs of others. If our fists are clenched, we cannot expect to receive.
Jesus, keep our hands and hearts open to give to others in need whenever the opportunity presents itself. We are available to help and serve because we love. Thank you for always being there for us. Make us aware in these next few days of people who can use our help. Amen