Giving Away My First $100

Without a real job and any savings to show, God told me to go ahead and give away $100.  That was most of my paycheck back then.  Plus I had never given away that much money before.

The Opportunity

My friend had just received news of his acceptance on a mission project.  He was so thrilled for this special opportunity.  I was excited for him, and for the Gospel being told to more people who would come into the Kingdom of God.

How could I share in his opportunity?  How could I express my own happiness?  After praying and thinking about it God put a strong impression upon my soul about what to do.  I made a special trip to the bank to acquire a new crisp $100 bill.

Little did I realize at the time, being so new in my faith, that I was following the Apostle Paul’s instruction and example in Acts 20:35 ESV “. . . remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’””

The Handover

When should I make the presentation?  Anticipation was building up.  My plan was starting to show on my face.  So when he came down the stairs for dinner at our dorm house I just decided to give it to him.

My friend was shocked.  He didn’t expect such a gift from me, nor at that time, nor in that manner.  He was visibly blessed.  And even more of a surprise to me, so was I.

God exceeded my expectations.  That was the day I learned that giving to the work of the Lord is like taking a reckless joyride.  And this event from early in my Christian life still brings me joy, now 26 years later.

The Grace of Giving is Like That

Pray about it and pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Participating in this way in the Mission of God is one of the highest privileges we enjoy.

There is a story in 2 Corinthians 8-9 about this.  Here is an excerpt:

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 ESV “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” 

2 Corinthians 9:7–8,10–11 ESV “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. . . . He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

For me the joyride began with giving away my first $100.  How does your story begin?