In review of 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 it says, “God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us. For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God’s people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God”
Bottom Line:
What God gives to me he wants to give through me.
What this means to me:
I’m reminded that it is God who provides everything I have and enjoy, as such he provides me with more than I need so that I can be generous and thus produce a rich harvest from my giving. He will always make me rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for the gifts I give. I can know that my giving not only meets needs, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God.
In today's passage from 2 Corinthians Paul is speaking of taking a collection and giving for others. He knows the enthusiasm of the church in Corinth and wants to be sure they are ready when he comes to collect for distribution to others. He reminds them that a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop, however one who plants generously will get a generous crop. He provide this guidance, that each should decide in their heart how much to give. They should not give reluctantly or in response to pressure. God loves a person who gives cheerfully. God will generously provide all you need, then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. God is the one who provides the seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. When your gifts are given to those who need them, they will thank God.
So in summary, what God gives to me he wants to give through me.
God looks for those that he can bless the world with. He looks around and asks, “Will you be a cup, or will you be a straw?” If you’re a cup, you just get filled up, and that’s it. But if you’ll say, “God, I’ll be a straw, and you can channel your blessing through me to other people,” then that’s the kind of person God wants to bless.
Today’s passage in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 says, “God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times” (TEV).
This promise is built on my willingness to share what he supplies to me. Am I willing to pass on God’s blessing to others?
Often my thoughts wander to, Wait, I’m not rich enough to be generous. However, I am, no matter how much I have, I can be generous. I’m reminded of the story about a woman in the Bible who only had two pennies, yet she gave them away. It’s a myth that “I don’t have enough to give.” I can always give something. In fact, I should give something, because God is testing me. Verse 12 says, “For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God’s people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God.”
Even when things are tough, if I’m willing to share what I have, God promises to do three things: First, I grow spiritually. Second, he will use me to meet other people’s needs. And third, God is praised.
When I give whatever I have, God will open the door of blessing in my life like I cannot imagine.
Today’s passage is great reminder for me, especially as I ponder my current giving. Instead of switching from one to another, I should consider just going above and beyond and giving an additional amount. I should also consider with whom I can share God’s blessing with this week.
As I have been faithful in the past with my giving, I have been able to experience God’s blessing in abundance. God you are truly great and I could never outgive you. You provide for all my needs, whether it be my salary or even with great insurance coverage which paid a significant portion to past medical bills.
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