“Tell God you are ready to be poured out as an offering, and God will prove Himself to be all you ever dreamed He would be.”
Oswald Chambers
Our church is in the middle of a building campaign, raising funds to renovate a fifty-year old bowling alley into a church building. Exodus chapter thirty-five speaks about the Israelites’ building campaign. Moses encouraged the Israelite community to bring an offering to the Lord for the building of the Tabernacle. Precious metals, yarn and fine linen, ram skins and cow hides, acacia wood, olive oil, spices and gem stones were all needed.
Exodus 35:20-21 says, “…Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting.” Moses asked and hearts were moved and willing to give. They were so willing they gave more than enough, over what was needed. In fact, Moses had to give an order for no more offerings. (Exodus 36:4-7)
A few years ago I went to Body Life Ministries to pick up an order of compact discs and booklets. This ministry produces teaching discs and prints Christian material to send them to truck stops for free. Their belief is to sow as much good seed as possible to bring in a harvest for the Lord. While being given a tour of the facility, I found myself asking Rick, the head of Body Life Ministries, how someone could become one of those he produces their teachings.
This all took place during a season in my life when I was struggling with depression from dealing with chronic leg pain and feeling like God had forgotten me and had placed me high up on a shelf. Rick began to prophesy and I began to weep. He encouraged me to bring in a few of my messages.
A few weeks later Rick asked me a sobering question, “Are you willing?” Having the fear of the Lord upon me, I answered, “Yes, but I’m afraid.” Even though I didn’t fully know the specifics of what God was asking me to do, I felt the weight of responsibility and was fearful I wouldn’t be able to do what God wanted.
Are you willing to offer your time, gifts, talents and resources for the Lord’s ministry, holding nothing back? In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God as our spiritual act of worship.
Ask yourself: Are you willing to take the next step of obedience God is asking you to do? Are you willing to place your feet in the flooded Jordan River and watch God cut off the flowing waters and stand them up in a heap, so others can walk on dry ground? (Joshua chapters 3-4) Are you willing to say “Yes” to your heavenly Father who knows best?
Miracles happen, when we’re willing. Red carpets are rolled out and favor from God and man are abundant, when we’re willing. We most vividly see God’s nature displayed, when we’re willing.
Since the time I told Rick I was willing, hundreds of my teaching messages and devotional books have been sent out. Today we’re in the process of establishing a non-profit ministry called Restoring Hearts. Even though I’m still fearful of what God may ask of me in the days ahead, I want to move forward, with Him firmly holding onto my hand. God loves to perform the miraculous for those who are willing. Joshua 4:24 says He parted the Jordan River like the Red Sea “so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.”
Are you willing? If so, you will not regret it. Buckle up your seat belts and get ready for the ride of your life! May we become a people whose hearts are so moved we are willing to give God more than enough.
“Sacrifice releases power. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the power released.”
John Wimber
Relevant Reflections:
1. Is your heart moved to give God whatever He asks of you, holding nothing back?
2. What kind of offering is God asking you to give Him today?
3. Write out a prayer to God telling Him you’re willing to do whatever He asks you to do.
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