Tithing. “What you do not sow, cannot grow.”

Lailah Gifty Akita

Tithing. It’s so much more than just a “christian custom” to give ten percent back to God. There is a verse in Malachi 3:10 that explains why God values tithing so greatly, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

God doesn’t ask us to tithe because He needs our money. He needs our obedience. Because obedience opens doors that allows the provision of Heaven to pour into our lives. If you can be faithful to obey with your ten percent, God is able to be faithful to provide more than enough for you. I’ve found that in my life the times I needed money the most, was the times God lead me to give the most. Luke 6:38(NIV), “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full–pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

And I’ve got good news- every single time I obeyed God’s instruct to give when I didn’t even have enough to cover what I needed, He came through. For example- when I was about to get married I didn’t have enough money saved up for the honeymoon, the rest of the wedding costs, and all the down payments that come with buying a new house. To say I was stressing it was an understatement. When I brought my care to the feet of my Father, His answer was not the one I wanted to hear. God laid it on my heart to give all the money I did have saved (which wasn’t even a third of what I needed but it was all I had). I was terrified. It seemed counterproductive.

But with shaking hands and a spiritual trust fall, I gave what God laid on my heart to give. And you know what happened? When it was all said and done, not only was everything paid for, but I ended up with extra money to put towards the house. I don’t tell that story to brag on myself because believe me, I wasn’t walking boldly up to the offering plate. I obeyed with tears in my eyes and a racing heart. But God honored my shaking obedience. Just like He will do for you.

I heard a Pastor say once that, “If what you have in your hand is not enough, then it’s your seed.” If you’re in need of provision don’t let that discourage you from tithing. God will always honor His word. I can speak from experience that tithing works. Giving works. Obedience works. God works. Take the leap today and sow your seed- you’ll be so happy with what grows.

Be Blessed!

Jordan Smith