SCRIPTURE:
“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
OBSERVATION:
I admire the position of the Macedonian Churches in their ability to share and show, generosity and service in the midst of severe trial. It is usually not something that is possible when one is in the midst of challenge. Yet, they gave as they were able, pleading to participate in giving God all and serving; all in the midst of trial.
APPLICATION:
Sometimes it is in our midst of trial that we can be the best witnesses of God’s power and faithfulness. When I go through trial, I tend to be needy and want my needs fulfilled, rather then giving to and serving others. It was a few months ago that I was contending with a trial some time. It was only through the moving of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, that I was able to surrender the trials to the Lord, which allowed me the ability to keep my mind on serving the Lord rather than getting caught up in my trials. Interestingly, it was in the midst of my trials that my perspective gave me the best position to see what I had to do, to move past my trials and focus on my call of serving others.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, please enable me to continue to serve others when busy times prevail, or especially when I am in the midst of trials and tribulation; not casting my problems and cares onto others, but surrendering my needs to You to free me up to do Your will.
