The Gift of Generosity

​My eleven-year-old son held onto that one hundred dollar bill for many months. Although he was unsure of exactly what he would buy with his money, he was sure it would be something special. Maybe he’d buy new sports gear or something nice for his room. Like a typical eleven-year-old, he had no shortage of ideas. He was simply waiting for that something special.
So, you can imagine my surprise when he came home from Vacation Bible School one day announcing, “Mom, I’m giving my one-hundred-dollar bill to the kids in Haiti.”
 
I wish I could say that I hugged him and told him how proud I was of his generous heart. Instead, before I could hold back the words, I exclaimed , “Are you sure you want to do that?” Insert face palm emoji.

But his mind was made up. God prompted his young heart with generosity, and I knew he was ready to give fully and freely with no holding back.
 
In 1 Kings 17, God instructed Elijah to go to a widow whom He had commanded to provide for him during the time of famine. The widow was very poor and had nothing to give. She was preparing her last meal for herself and her son, and then she was prepared to die. When she explained her situation to Elijah, he responded to her, “Do not fear” (1 King 17:13). Her situation was scary. Fear was the natural response. If she gave what she had, which was nearly nothing, she would surely die.
 
When Elijah asked her for water and bread, we understand from her response that God had already prepared her heart for this interaction. We see from her obedience that God had worked in her heart as  “She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family” (1 Kings 17:15). God prepared her to be generous, just like he did with my son.
 
The poor widow on the brink of death gave generously out of her faithfulness to God and His prompting of her heart, and the Lord multiplied her flour and oil.
 
Do you ever feel a nudge to give generously but wonder if what you have to offer is not enough to make a difference or it would deplete your supply? Maybe it’s your time, or money, a gift, or talent. Sometimes we can look at the little we have and feel we must hold onto it in case we need it. What if we volunteer our time and run out of time for our family? What if we offer to sponsor a child in need and lose our job?
 
Fear-based questions are natural. However, we don’t need to fear because God is the generosity generator. If God inspires our heart to give, we can trust Him to provide just like he did with the widow.
 
The year after God nudged my son to give generously to the children in Haiti, my husband and I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti. It was the direct result of my son’s moved heart that took us so far from home. We were able to see first-hand how small offerings, such as the one my son gave, impacted the lives in the community we visited in enormous ways. We offer what we have, and God does the rest.
 
When our hearts are prompted, we can give fully and freely without holding back in fear. Friend, we can trust God will provide when He prompts our hearts because He is a generous Provider. Next time God prompts your heart, and you hear His still, small voice, listen and obey. Your faith will grow as you see God in action through your obedient generosity.

​Memory Verse: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

About the Author

Hi! I'm Renee Robinson. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Steve, and mom to three boys, ages seventeen, fifteen, and twelve. We've lived in four states over the past twelve years and currently live in Omaha, Nebraska, where we homeschool our boys. I'm passionate about leading women to live intentional lives while seeking God wholeheartedly. My desire is to inspire and encourage women to get to know the full truth of who God is, His heart and character, one day at a time in His Word. I'm an avid reader and typically read or listen to about four books at a time. Other than reading and writing, I love to travel, ride bikes, take long walks, or gather friends together at our home for a meal and games. Connect with Renee at www.renee-robinson.com

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