A NOTE FROM PS. JESSE
Thank you so much for taking part in the Tithing Challenge. I can personally attest to the faithfulness of God over and over in my life. My wife and I have personally experienced God's faithful provision in things large and small.
Liza and I have been married for some time now, but I remember those first months of marriage; I was on cloud nine! Everything was going great and then all of a sudden bills started showing up and seemingly never stopped. Looking back now, I can laugh, but when I was in the middle of that anxious, frustrating, and stressful season, I knew God was up to something. I’m the type of person that wants to believe I have absolute power and control over situations. For example, if I want something bad enough, I get caught up in the notion that I can work hard and long enough to obtain it. What I’ve come to learn is that you can think that way if you want, but don’t trick yourself into thinking that’s faith! That’s nothing close to a real, biblical expression of faith; that’s trusting in yourself and in your own ability.
I remember contemplating an “adjustment” to our giving. God led us to give above the 10% of our tithe a circumstance came up that put that increase into question. Surely the Lord would understand if I “postponed” the increase until I got “caught up”. My immediate thought was if I should reduce my giving back down to 10%. I eventually got to the point where I was fed up with listening to my own reasoning! On top of that, the voice of the enemy would get loud in my ear and say things like, “You’re not going to have enough” and “You’re a failure.” My response was to declare that voice a liar and trust that God is my source of provision. I would repeat that truth over and over until the voice of the enemy was gone!
Liza and I have been married for some time now, but I remember those first months of marriage; I was on cloud nine! Everything was going great and then all of a sudden bills started showing up and seemingly never stopped. Looking back now, I can laugh, but when I was in the middle of that anxious, frustrating, and stressful season, I knew God was up to something. I’m the type of person that wants to believe I have absolute power and control over situations. For example, if I want something bad enough, I get caught up in the notion that I can work hard and long enough to obtain it. What I’ve come to learn is that you can think that way if you want, but don’t trick yourself into thinking that’s faith! That’s nothing close to a real, biblical expression of faith; that’s trusting in yourself and in your own ability.
I remember contemplating an “adjustment” to our giving. God led us to give above the 10% of our tithe a circumstance came up that put that increase into question. Surely the Lord would understand if I “postponed” the increase until I got “caught up”. My immediate thought was if I should reduce my giving back down to 10%. I eventually got to the point where I was fed up with listening to my own reasoning! On top of that, the voice of the enemy would get loud in my ear and say things like, “You’re not going to have enough” and “You’re a failure.” My response was to declare that voice a liar and trust that God is my source of provision. I would repeat that truth over and over until the voice of the enemy was gone!
Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
I believe it’s important for us as followers of Jesus to understand that God honors wisdom and obedience. However, during that season of my life, I was omitting the substance of faith when it came to trusting the Lord with my finances. I mean, I had a budget, I had eliminated every extra expense possible. We even got rid of cable and the internet, but all of that wasn’t enough. We continued to trust in the Lord, and he consistently showed up. Sometimes the Lord’s provision seems to arrive at the last minute so He can remind me that it’s not in my own ability, but it’s in His! Don’t take matters into your own hands and prevent God from having the opportunity to bless you and demonstrate His faithfulness in this important area of your life!
Church, that’s what faith is; trusting when it’s hard and believing when it seems unbelievable. I want to encourage you as you begin this new season of faith in your finances. Continue to keep God first in it all!
Do you have a similar story or experience? Take a minute to journal or process the feelings you have been experiencing since you accepted the Tithing Challenge. What is God speaking to you in this season and how have you seen his faithfulness in your life? Don’t forget to share this with our team; you can even email us at [email protected]. Personally, I would be honored to take a moment to pray for you and celebrate even the smallest of wins you have experienced to date!
Church, that’s what faith is; trusting when it’s hard and believing when it seems unbelievable. I want to encourage you as you begin this new season of faith in your finances. Continue to keep God first in it all!
Do you have a similar story or experience? Take a minute to journal or process the feelings you have been experiencing since you accepted the Tithing Challenge. What is God speaking to you in this season and how have you seen his faithfulness in your life? Don’t forget to share this with our team; you can even email us at [email protected]. Personally, I would be honored to take a moment to pray for you and celebrate even the smallest of wins you have experienced to date!
