It’s difficult to consider giving when you have very little to spare and no hope of much coming to you in the future; but consider this. When times are tough financially, it is the perfect time to invest in someone or something outside of your situation. What we make happen for others, will result in the same thing happening for us. It all begins with giving our time, talents and financial resources to those in need.
Most people find it easy to give during the holidays or for special occasions, but we tend to forget that giving has benefits far beyond our human understanding. In its simplest form giving is a way to express love, care or concern for another individual. Imagine the impact of giving a hug, a smile or even a positive comment to boost another person’s day. It benefits both the giver and the receiver; and yet there is so much more that is exchanged in the process. Did you know that when we freely give to one another we are creating a phenomenal flow of goodwill, healing and blessing in the spirit realm?
Back in the mid 1980’s I lost my job because of an antitrust suit against AT&T. Companies folded, others were in limbo and unfortunately I was caught in the confusion and left without a job. I had multiple job offers in other cities, but by the time I responded, either the departments or the positions were dissolved. I ended up moving back to the Midwest in hopes of starting my life over; but every door was closed and I was stuck with a home in Florida that would not sell. Someone I knew suggested that I volunteer my time in the new community as a way to stay busy and keep my mind off of life’s complications. So rather than becoming discouraged, I volunteered at a local hospital as a patient visitor. This was very difficult for me because I don’t like hospitals nor being around sick people, and yet I was compelled to take the volunteer position. My assignment was to deliver toys and books to children in the cancer ward. Words could never express the overwhelming compassion that I felt for these children. I was facing financial uncertainty, but these children were facing death. This experience stirred within me a desire to give generously to others. I gave of my time and talent, and desired to give money as well, but without a job it was very challenging. Within a few short weeks, a most peculiar job offer came from a head hunting service. On the surface it didn’t look attractive, but instinctively I knew that I had tapped into a supernatural flow because before I could accept the job offer, my home in Florida sold and I closed on a beautiful new home almost simultaneously. AT&T also called offering me more positions; but the greatest opportunity came a few months later while on this new job. I was asked to represent the company in a local fundraising event. It was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I finally had a platform in which to bring my time, talents, and the community together to raise funds for local organizations.
It was during this experience that the Spirit of God began showing me that my purpose for accumulating wealth should never be restricted to my own needs. He said that the prosperous man or woman is one who will work hard to supply the needs of the poor as well. I’ll never forget how he told me that there was no lack of resources on earth. He said that there was more than enough wealth and resources available to rid the earth of poverty, but it was in the hands of selfish people. Years later, the Lord would give me a business model that incorporated the methods used by the early Apostles to handle the needs of the poor. According to God, the root cause of poverty and all financial issues in America is that we have become a nation of takers instead of givers. We fail to understand that prosperity flows as we give to others. When we freely give, it will be given back to us, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over (Luke 6:38). Don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Before you know it, the blessings will begin flowing upon you and upon those around you. It may not seem logical, but it is God’s Word; and it works!
