I recently saw this title to a sermon preached by John Piper. It was a reminder of how the call to give can cause us to fear. There is much in our country today that leads to anxiety, especially when it comes to giving. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing.” How is it possible for us not to be anxious about giving given today’s environment?

First, remember that we are God’s. He is our Father and as our Father, He has taken the responsibility to care for all our needs. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23). There is promised peace in that fact.

Second, God calls us to be responsible stewards of all He has given us. The EMC is a challenge for us to evaluate where our money is being used. We often fear not having something instead of being satisfied with what God has provided. The easier it is for us to live to meet our needs instead of our wants, the less anxiety we feel.

Finally, God’s call of faith in Him is a call to trust Him in all things. The song “Oceans” may capture this thought,
“Your grace abounds in deepest waters, your sovereign hand will be my guide. Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me, you’ve never failed and you won’t start now.” It is in the faithfulness of God’s provision we can freely give.

– Mike Felton Stewardship Education Committee