Unrushed Living: Embracing Simplicity and Savoring Life's MomentsSample

Stewardship: The Serving That Serves the Servant

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. II CORINTHIANS 9:7

It was a covert operation, and she loved being a part of it. With an open heart, she went into public places, where she grocery-shopped or visited her kids’ school. She waited expectantly for God to reveal a way to bless someone who needed it. And the opportunities came. It might be a twenty-dollar tip at the car wash. It might be paying for a small batch of items for the person behind her in line. They were rarely large transactions, but they took a large and special place in her heart.

God loves to work through us. He loves it. When we're constantly asking Him what He is up to, inviting Him to be powerful in and through us, then our own relationship with and awareness of Him grow. It’s for others that we work with Him, absolutely. But we can’t help but benefit ourselves. We’re like the river that flows with mountain runoff toward the sea. Along the river the trees and wildflowers thrive. Animals are fed and given drink. All because the river flows. It’s the conduit from one place to another, but it is teeming with abundance. You and I will be conduits for God’s good work, if only we ask Him. We will experience the well of living water springing up into eternal life (John 4:14). We will intend to bless others, but we will find ourselves incredibly blessed in the process. How can you allow God to work through you today?

God,

thank You for new opportunities to serve You. Show me how I can serve Your Kingdom today. Reveal to me people, places, and relationships where You desire for me to share my gifts. You have given me so much, and I desire to give back to You by loving on Your people. I want to honor You in all ways possible.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.