For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
How generous are you?
I imagine by the fact you are reading this (and so have online access) you are pretty wealthy by any current day or historical economic measure. I don’t want to discount the fact that you may be facing financial struggles right now. But what I do want to ask you, is how are you stewarding that which you have?
Paul writes of the Macedonian churches that they gave beyond their ability.
“Beyond their ability”. Ponder on that for a moment.
What would it look like for you to give “beyond your ability”.
In this case, to give beyond your ability points to going beyond what is naturally possible and into what can only be done with supernatural enabling.
These churches written about by the Apostle Paul went to end of their natural ability. And because they went to the end of their ability they were able, somehow, to go beyond it.
How is that possible? It’s not. Except with God all things are possible!
What I see hear is the work of God. By God stretching these generous people beyond their natural limits, it no longer becomes about us and our generosity. It becomes about God and HIS generosity.
In fact, such supernatural generosity can only be put down as a demonstration of the grace of God upon the lives of these people in ancient Macedonia. That is why Paul, using them as an example, implores others to “also excel in this grace of giving” (verse 7).
PRAYER: Father I thank you for your generous heart towards me. I ask for and receive your Grace upon my life to be able to give firstly faithfully what I am able, and then beyond that that others may be blessed and your name lifted up! Thank you for allowing me to partner with you! In Jesus name, Amen