The Gift Of You: How Living Generously Reflects The Heart Of GodSample

Navigating Times of Uncertainty

Mis grew up on a small island in Indonesia where education and job options were sparse. But with a passion for learning, an incredibly supportive family, and God’s help, Mis was able to complete school and start a promising career in government on the mainland.

This career would have provided Mis with a great salary and the promise of a comfortable retirement. It would also have allowed her to bless her family back home, showing her appreciation for all they’d done to support her over the years. God had provided well for Mis so far, and she was able to live generously with her income.

But then God asked Mis to make a surprising decision; He asked her to walk away from her secure career in order to become a Bible translator for her language. Mis wrestled with this choice, unsure at first if it was really God’s direction. But ultimately she said yes, turning from her secure career to a new job she knew little about. 

As a Bible translator, Mis has been able to bless her family and community with the New Testament in her language—a gift they have dreamed of for years. She is also training as a consultant to translation teams in other languages, sharing the expertise she gained so that many more people can be blessed with God’s Word in their own languages.

Sometimes generosity feels easy and natural; other times what God asks us to do doesn’t make sense in the moment. It’s at those times, perhaps more than ever, when we need to have a close relationship with Him in order to be sure of His direction and to trust that He will provide when we obey. 

Things to Ponder:

• Has God ever asked you to do something that didn’t make sense or caused you fear?
• If so, how did you respond and what was the result?
• How has God’s faithfulness in those situations helped you to know or trust Him better?