The above photo was taken after a fire destroyed everything in our detached garage. It showed up in my Facebook page today. This happened 9 years ago and I am reminded of the circumstances that were going on in our lives at the time.
We had just been challenged by our pastor in the weeks before about giving cheerfully in faith and trusting that God will bless us.
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
After that sermon, we looked at our giving and decided to consider it prayerfully. God said to challenge him on it and we would see that he was faithful. My first thought when I realized the fire was out of control and I realized we were going to lose everything in the building: car, lawnmower, tools, childhood memories that were stored in there, was, “Really, God? This is how you’re blessing us?”
But, you know, God told me to trust him. In the following months, I began to see how He was blessing us more than I could have imagined. Our old garage was, well, old. A 1 1/2 car garage that was filled to the gills with stuff. Our new garage built in pole barn fashion has been a blessing that we have been able to use for more than just storing stuff. It has become a place where we can work on woodworking projects and given us much time together as a couple that we didn’t take the time to do before the fire. It’s a 2 1/2 car garage with much more space and a porch off the end. You see, God filled the new garage with new stuff. Our lawnmower, tools, and car have all been replaced. Some of the things that couldn’t be replaced, I realize now, we really didn’t need to hold onto.
When I thought of God blessing us, that’s not what I expected. But then our God works in mysterious ways and we could never out give him.
I don’t know where your heart is in your giving, but I challenge you to consider it prayerfully. And don’t expect your garage to burn down so you can get all new tools. Thankfully our insurance was paid up. That was my second thought!
Love you all and may you have a blessed day!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 