Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Willingness (02/21/05)
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TITLE: WILLINGLY THEY GAVE | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anthony David
02/23/05 -
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Timothy and Rachel, a young upwardly mobile couple were in the crowd. Their Pastor ended the meet with an appeal. “ Our brothers and sisters in the village congregation lack a place to worship. Let us all contribute and help them build a sanctuary. Please hand over your donations to the Treasurer or me.”
Back at home; Timothy was taking his shoes off. “I am personally convinced,” he said, “We need to give a donation for the village church building. Even if we need to be a little careful in spending, we must do so. I am convinced about it. Do you agree Rachel?”
Rachel was busy folding back her dress carefully. “But Tim,” she replied, “ Do we have enough to give a donation for the building? We pay the church subscription regularly. Isn’t that enough?”
“But Rachel, we don’t really own all the money we earn. It is all God’s money, which He has given to us as stewards. We need to give for God’s work. I feel we need to give more than what we are already giving, for His work. Didn’t you hear the Preacher tonight talk about the way poor Christians donated for God in St. Paul’s time?” countered Timothy as they settled down for a cup of coffee on their sofa.
Rachel paused as she took a sip of the piping hot coffee. She looked intently at her husband and said, “ Really Tim, we need to think of our future needs. Soon the kids will grow up and we’ll need money for their education. Schooling is very expensive these days. We also need a new car. What about buying a better house than this? If we keep giving, will we have enough for all our needs?”
Timothy sighed and said, “ But Rachel, we are to give to God’s work liberally. God Himself will surely provide for all our needs. Has He not provided for all our needs so miraculously till today? Remember Mathew 6:33 ‘ Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.’”
“Tim, my dear, come on now. We need to be practical too. It is all OK to hear and perhaps to preach. But can we risk giving so sacrificially? I am not sure.” Rachel blurted as she drew close to Timothy.
“Let us pray and decide Rachel. I feel that we should give for this church project. Because the Lord has blessed us so much. And this is indeed a very deserving cause. Let’s pray and then decide”.
Later on, after the kids were fed and put to bed, the young couple knelt together by their own bed. “Dear Father God,” prayed Timothy, “ We praise your Matchless Name! We feel that we ought to give generously to the church project we heard about. All that we needed till today you have generously provided for us. Help us to willingly contribute our mite towards the extension of your Kingdom O Lord!” Both of then said Amen with all their hearts.
“Thank you Rachel, for supporting my decision.” Said Timothy as he wrote down the cheque for the Church building fund.
“ I had a doubt till now but your prayer has driven it away. It will be our privilege to give to Our Lord. We will honour Him,” said Rachel.
Months later…
“Rachel, Rachel,” cried Timothy as he ran into their home. “ I’ve been offered a new job today. It is something I like and they are offering twice my present salary! Praise be to God!” He was exhilarated!
“Yes Tim,” replied Rachel gladly as she hugged him, “ We honored God with our giving then and now, He has honored us! May His Name be blessed!”
They both knelt down contentedly to offer thanks to the Lord.
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