In these harsh economic times, how can we maintain our faith and excel in giving to the church? A story from 19th century France shows us the way. A reflection on 2 Corinthians 8 v7.Podcast version here
There’s an old story told about a seamstress in 19th century France who happened to be blind. One day her church was trying to raise some money for a mission and she handed over 20 francs. In those days that was a lot of money and her seamstress friends around her wondered how she could give so much to the church.
“What does it cost you,” she asked them, “to pay for kerosene to light your lamps, so that you can work at night?”
“About 20 francs a year,” they replied.
“Therefore, because I am blind,” the seamstress explained, “the Lord saves me 20 francs per year. I want to give it back to Him, so that this mission can bring the light of the Gospel to other lands.”
2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
It’s a beautiful story and a reminder that even in these trying financial times, the Lord’s work carries on throughout the world. As we each try to budget because of high gas prices and the soaring cost of food, let’s not forget the blessings that God sustains us with each day. Even in the midst of an economic recession, God never holds back or diminishes His blessings to us. So let us all take this lesson to heart and make an intentional effort to excel in this grace of giving, even in these trying times.
Prayer: Lord God, if we take time to really look for them, we will discover wonderful blessings in each of our lives. We take so many of them for granted that we forget to truly thank You for all that You do for us. Thank You for Your loving kindness, grace, and love. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
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