2 Cor 8:5 …they gave themselves first to the lord….
My church is doing an Advent devotional, and I volunteered to write two of the reflections. The first one flowed easily. I studied the scripture verses, read several commentaries and sermons on those verses to be sure I understood, prayed for God’s guidance as I wrote, and had a moment of clarity that started the words flowing. The next thing I knew, that devotional was complete. I love it when God works through me like that.
2 Cor 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have.
The second reflection has not been as smooth. I completed the same preparation—reading, studying, praying fervently to glorify God through my words, but my thoughts continue to be jumbled. The one thing I know without a doubt is that I want to honor God through my words, words that I know He has given me. And I know that because of my eagerness to glorify Him, even though this reflection isn’t smooth or beautiful, He will use it for His purposes. That’s all He wants from us, really—to hold nothing back from Him, to keep nothing as “off limits” for His use.
Mark 12:44 “They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and for this scripture. Thank You for devo reflections that flow so easily and for reflections like today’s that seem to frustrate me at every turn. You want all of me, Lord, not just the parts that I think are good enough. And perhaps that is Your ultimate lesson here—when my goal is to hold nothing back as I glorify You, You can and will use that gift in ways I can’t even imagine. Use all that I am and all that I have, Lord. Help me to hold nothing back from You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Cor 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Have a blessed day