A Flood of Blessing – Jennifer Woodley ‘He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.’ 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NRSV)
As the northern part of the Queensland state is awash with flooding rains, we here in the dry drought-stricken south wait hopefully for a deluge. We pray for the rain our northern neighbors do not want. It seems crazy that one end of the state is blessed with abundant rain, yet the other end is in so much need.
The spiritual life is much the same. Our excesses can be the answer to someone’s earnest prayers. As we have received bountiful gifts from God the Giver, so we ought to share lavishly in every way we can. In this way, the one who has much doesn’t have too much and the one who has little, doesn’t have too little (2 Corinthians 8:15).
It is ludicrous that those who are blessed extravagantly should squander their blessings upon themselves while others suffer in need. God delights in an equal distribution so that none may boast and become self-satisfied in their excesses or none may become bitter or dishonest in their need.
What’s in your hand that can be shared right now? Perhaps it is time, skills, finances, or an accumulation of possessions that can fill a need somewhere. Whatever you have to share, know that you will be enriched for your generosity, but more importantly, so will someone else.
‘Father, in my excess show me where there is a need that I can alleviate. Forgive me for holding back when there is so much to gain by generously giving. Amen.’
Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey through writing and mentoring. Contact |