Blessings Poured Out by Martin Wiles

I stood at the front of the church waiting for parishioners to respond to the invitation. Suddenly my wife—with tear-filled eyes, stepped out and made her way toward the front, motioning for the pastor to pray with us.

You’d think we’d be accustomed to financial struggles after five years, but I’m not sure anyone ever adapts. Wondering how we’ll pay next month’s bills, worrying over how to put fuel in the tank, and pondering how we’ll handle unexpected expenses.

Presently my wife felt the need for our pastor to pray over our financial situation. So he did and concluded his prayer with, “Help’s on the way.” Imagine our surprise that evening when the associate pastor handed my wife a wad of money and said, “Someone told me to give this to you.” Two hundred dollars lay in our hands, and we immediately returned a portion to God.

A lifetime of experience has taught me the truth of what God said hundreds of years ago. “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in (Malachi 3:10 NLT)!”

I’ve learned that God controls my finances. When I’ve done all I can do, he always does more. I’ve also discovered that returning his portion keeps his blessings flowing to me. So I do—even when it doesn’t make sense. Even when the outgo is already greater than the income. Others can’t figure out how our budget balances, but my wife and I know. When I give joyfully, sacrificially, and regularly, God gives back. And it’s through the lean times that he builds my faith in his ability to supply all my needs.

Are you experiencing God’s blessings because of your financial faithfulness to him?

Prayer: Thank You Father for your promise to meet every need we have.

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