"For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
This is Paul, talking about the people in Macedonia and how they were incredibly generous even though they were suffering. I love the idea of them being willing to give "beyond their power" and that even though Paul and the rest had hoped they wouldn't, they were willing to sacrifice for them.
I like the phrase "Gave their own selves to the Lord," and the implication there that the reason they were able to give beyond their power is because they gave themselves to the Lord first, and then they were able to help others, by the will of God.
This can work in our lives as well. With God, no matter what circumstances we are in, we can be okay, and be able to help and serve others. As we give ourselves to the Lord, he will give us enough, and more than enough so that we can also provide for others. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't be planning ahead and learning the lessons of self-sufficiency, but it does mean that miracles can happen even when it looks like on paper that it won't work out.
Today, let's give ourselves to God and have faith in him, and work to do his will. As we do, God will help us be able to make a difference beyond our own power in the lives of others.
Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
This is Paul, talking about the people in Macedonia and how they were incredibly generous even though they were suffering. I love the idea of them being willing to give "beyond their power" and that even though Paul and the rest had hoped they wouldn't, they were willing to sacrifice for them.
I like the phrase "Gave their own selves to the Lord," and the implication there that the reason they were able to give beyond their power is because they gave themselves to the Lord first, and then they were able to help others, by the will of God.
This can work in our lives as well. With God, no matter what circumstances we are in, we can be okay, and be able to help and serve others. As we give ourselves to the Lord, he will give us enough, and more than enough so that we can also provide for others. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't be planning ahead and learning the lessons of self-sufficiency, but it does mean that miracles can happen even when it looks like on paper that it won't work out.
Today, let's give ourselves to God and have faith in him, and work to do his will. As we do, God will help us be able to make a difference beyond our own power in the lives of others.
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