God Takes Our Little and Multiplies It

2 Corinthians 8:1–15 CSB

1 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: 2 During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, 4 they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will. 6 So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace. 7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace. 8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it. 11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality. 14 At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little.

In hard times we need to double down in giving and serving.

God does this amazing thing when we continue to honor Him - He gives us joy.

We also find that we cannot out do God - whether it is financial or in serving God blesses us abundantly to bring glory to Himself.

We cannot let our circumstances dictate the quality of our ministry.

Paul says the Macedonian church gave “beyond their ability”.

They did it not because of someone begging them but because they made up their minds to do so.

Our relationship with Jesus should drive us to share in ministry.

We must go beyond wishing and planning - we must move to doing.

We must be willing to use what we have for the kingdom.

God knows what you have - He gave it to you.

God can take what you have and multiply it, whether a little or a lot.