LUKE 6:38
The great British preacher Charles H. Spurgeon was once taught by God about giving. He had an orphanage and so did George Muller, his fellow preacher. He travelled to Bristol to preach, hoping to collect £300 for London’s homeless children. As his financial goal was reached, he bowed in prayer, only to be prompted to give the money to his co-labourer in Christ – George Muller.
Spurgeon tried to shake off the idea, but finally gave in.
He went to Muller’s orphanage and found the great man of prayer on his knees. Placing his hand on Muller’s shoulder he said, “George, God has told me to give you the £300 I have collected.”
George Muller was so happy. He had been asking God for exactly that amount! The two servants of the Lord wept and rejoiced together.
As soon as Spurgeon returned to London, he found an envelope on his desk containing more than £300. The Lord had returned the money he gave to Muller with interest!
R.G. LeTourneau, arguably one of the most successful businessmen of the 20th century, once said, “I shovel out the money, and God shovels it back – but God has a bigger shovel.”
Why is giving so important to God? It shows Him we understand He is the rightful Owner of our possessions, and we are only stewards. His blessings are not based on how much we have given, but according to our hearts. This means our motives must be right when we give to Him – we should not give just because we want to receive, or we will be like gamblers playing games of chance.
