Excuses, Excuses {Part Three}

A few weeks ago, we started a new series for the month of March, looking at the excuses that we often give for not using our resources to help those less fortunate than ourselves. The main excuse that we are focusing on in this series is:

Any money I give will be wasted, stolen, or spent on other things. The poor will never see it.

Be sure to read {Part One} and {Part Two} if you haven’t already.

Today, I want to focus on the fact that God is sovereign over everything, including the use of this money.

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is shown to be sovereign over all things:

over demons (4.35)
over disease (4.39-40)
over defilement (5.13)
over days (6.5, 9)

In Luke 20, the Pharisees attempt to test Christ’s authority, and He proves Himself to be sovereign yet again. The Pharisees bring multiple issues to Christ, including the use of money (20.22), and Christ proves to be sovereign over all (20.25-26).

If God is sovereign over all things, including the use of money given to the poor,

can I not trust Him that it will be used for His glory?

What is your excuse? What keeps you from allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the use of your resources? Share with me in the comments…

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Blogging through the Gospels {Luke 19}

What is in Your Hand?? {guest post}

1 Peter 2.4-10: Rejoice That You Rock

Category: Faith

Momsmustardseeds

I can find excuses…..easily. And when I really find them..consistently, he reminds me that He is my God…..Blessings! Thank you so much for joining us today! You, your posts, your Tweets are always encouraging and inspirational!

http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

I understand that feeling all too well. I am lazy and cheap, and both of
those characteristics make it easy to grab onto excuses. I’m learning to
live in obedience to His leading, even when I don’t understand!

http://www.walkinginhighcotton.net Jamie (@va_grown)

I’m always worried that we’ll need that money/resource we gave away later for ourselves. It’s hard to remember that if God is encouraging you to give in your heart, then He’ll take care of you later. He wants us to be wise with our money, but not stingy, and wisdom is partly based on faith in his sovereign providence.

http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

It is hard to give away what you’ve been saving for the “what ifs” in life.
We’ve struggled with this, but have found that in our obedience, He has more
than blessed us time and time again. No, we’re not filthy rich (actually,
per the government, we’re quite poor), but we have been so blessed by Him!
Keep trusting Him to provide for your every need!!

http://twitter.com/jenniferajanes Jennifer Janes

Good point! I have been slowly coming to that conclusion too. My part is to give what He calls me to give. I am not responsible for how it is used. They will have to answer to God for using (or mis-using) the resources given to them, just as I am responsible for using the resources entrusted to me!

We have branched out and are giving more this year—helping in ways we haven’t in the past. It’s a great feeling. God is really moving in our lives in this area, and it’s wonderful to see Him at work.

~Jennifer

http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

I love hearing how God is moving in hearts and leading people to give. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!!

http://twitter.com/BethZimmerman Beth Zimmerman

So true! And so hard to remember some times!

http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

I think it comes down to our pride… whether or not we’re willing to “let go and let God.” We *know* that we can trust Him – it just becomes a matter of actually trusting Him with our actions!

http://thegandyshomebase.blogspot.com Mollie

I have such a hard time trusting God with our money. I see our bank account and the amount of bills I need to pay~ I know that I am to trust God with it, it is His after all, but it is just so hard! I know what I need to do however, it is just so hard to do it!

http://blog.ashleypichea.com Ashley Pichea

“I know what I need to do however, it is just so hard to do it!”

That’s the story of my life… letting go of my pride and obeying God!