Tithing with eyes wide open
Testimonies January 22nd, 2008On November 1st, my husband lost his job due to budget cuts at his company. With only two weeks severance pay, we were relying solely on my income to get us through.
Shortly following the job loss, Pastor Stovall had a heart-to-heart with the congregation regarding tithing, how it works and the needs of the church. He said that supernatural stuff happens when you step out in faith and put God first in your finances.
At the end, Pastor Kerri held a dime over her head and asked if ten cents on every dollar was what was separating you from God. Wow, did she have my number! With tears pouring down my face, I wrote a check for a full tithe - an amount that frankly, would prevent us from paying other bills and would surely cause us to come up short at the end of the month.
You know what? We never came up short.
As we continued to tithe on every dollar that came in the door, we continued to be provided for financially. We never had to touch our savings account and Santa was able to provide abundantly for our two little boys during the Christmas season.
We wanted desperately to draw closer to God and we saw the 21 days of prayer and fasting as an opportunity we simply could not pass up.
We committed to the full 21 days and have been praying faithfully and attending all of the corresponding services.
Well, yesterday, on the seventh day of the fast, my husband had a job interview in an industry he really wanted to work in and also one that is very tough to break into. And after interviewing yesterday afternoon, he got the job offer last night.
Not only is it the job he wanted, it is the salary we desired and the growth opportunity he needs. It also includes a company car, so we can now sell one of our cars to save on one of our car payments, insurance and gas!
PRAISE GOD!!!
We are blessed to even have the opportunity to give. We have surrendered our finances to God and have committed to always put him first, especially in this area of our lives.
If you are thinking you can’t do it or you won’t make it, just try one time. Give God 10%. God will reward your faith.
Trust in Him, the Almighty.
Father, we thank You for the chance to give and we are so grateful for the opportunity to draw closer to you through fasting, Lord.
We know this is just the beginning.
With eyes wide open!
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I absolutely L-O-V-E this testimony - thank you so much for sharing this! Pastor Kerri’s illustration with the dime was powerful for me as well; it’s funny how much importance we sometimes place on things that are really so little! I pray that God continues to abundantly bless you and your family and that your awesome testimony encourages others who want to take that step to tithe for the first time.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Praise God! This is an awesome testimony of God’s provision. God is so faithful and always keeps his promises. He is our provider!
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Wow - what incredible testimony of stepping out in faith and obedience! Thank you so much for sharing!!