We read about how Jesus gave up the eternal freedoms of heaven to come to earth and suffer for our sakes. We read how His teachings call us to give generously as well. And in giving us the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to help those less fortunate in practical ways: feed the hungry, visit those in prison, comfort the sick, etc.
However, knowing and actually trusting God with our time, talents, and money can be difficult. That word “trust” often conjures hurtful memories and situations where people we care about have betrayed our trust. Those unpleasant memories will then cause us to lose trust in how Jesus will use what we have. So instead of giving, we fearfully hold on to what we have.
But what if we flipped the script and realize that everything we have has first been given to us by God for His purposes?
If God created us in His image and if Jesus bought our lives at a great price (on the cross), then that means that everything we have was originally given to us from God. That means everything—our time, our talents, our finance, even our very lives—have been entrusted to us by God before any negative social experience happened to us. What if God entrusted you to be someone of value with the right amount of time, talents, and finances to give to your world?
One of the ways you can give is through the opportunities presented by your church. Pray for your church. Give time and finances to help them purchase equipment to better reach those who need Jesus. Look for ways that you too can go and share the gifts God has given you to impact the world for God.
God has given you everything you need for Him to be seen in your life. Don’t get hung up on the examples and issues of others that seek to hinder your generosity—especially when you have Jesus’ example and God’s gifts propelling you forward. Take a few minutes today and write out all the great talents, abilities, passions, and opportunities you have that are from God. Looking at that list: 1) Thank God for what He has given you, 2) Ask God how to show you ways you can trust Him in these gifts, and 3) Text your youth leader to find out ways you can be generous in your church.
Read:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to live and die for me and thank You for bringing me into Your family because I have trusted Jesus as my Saviour. Thank You that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that You have sent Him to live in my heart and to lead and guide me into all truth. I pray that You would take my life and use every part of me to Your praise and glory. Amen.
Journal Book Questions:
- What did God say to you?
- What did you say to God?
