Believing for Overflow
Most people are givers. We like to give to good causes. Actually, I think we are kind of hard-wired to give. Jesus said that even evil people know how to give good gifts.
As Christians, giving should be part of what we do and who we are. Filtering this verse through James 1:22 adds some clarity. Remember, James tells us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. If we just hear about a need, we are hearers only. There are times when we simply don't have anything to give, and that's okay. I don't give to every need.
A couple of years ago, I had a wood customer who ordered a load of wood from me. He drove 200 miles one way to get it, and he was giving the whole load to someone in need. When I heard this, I wanted in on the action, so I gave him the wood for free. While he was loading, I was praying. I used this verse to hang my faith on, believing that God was serious about what He said. I gave that load believing for overflow.
I always had more wood than I sold. Since that moment, I have been constantly sold out with a waiting list of customers! I did what this verse said to do and put my faith to work. The crazy thing is it hasn't stopped or even slowed down to this day!
By Rick “Papa” Wilson