1 Chronicles 28:9- “As for you, my son, know the God of your father. Serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind. For the LORD searches all hearts, and understands all the intents of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. But if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”

In summary, David gave everything he had to build the Lord’s Temple. He instructed his son, Solomon, to serve the LORD wholly. He handed him the blueprint that he had drafted under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He instructed him to obey God’s commandments, and everything would be good for him and his offspring. David left Solomon a Living Will, a life-giving transaction if you will, before he died.

I sat with this word for a moment, and said, “LORD, I don’t know what You want me to do.” After I asked, I quickly opened the Bible. This was His answer, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Prov. 3:5-6.

I read the whole chapter, and as always, I recommend that you read it in its entirety. For me, I was struggling with something in my heart, mainly the issue of control. It’s not easy to trust someone after being exploited. I know God understands completely. He, too, was exploited for His blessings rather than being known and loved for who He is. You know what I am talking about. It’s like those who never come to see you. They call only when they need something from you. It’s that exploitation. But God brought the need to my attention, and there was no denying it.

I also realized that I had spent so much time on the receiving end; I had become comfortable. Giving is easy when it’s in small portions or when you have extra. But when the LORD asks you to give it all, that’s where the pressure lies. It’s not a struggle between you and God; God does not need anything from us. The battle is letting go of the little gods we accumulate over time. These little gods take the place of God. They include things like complacency, self-sufficiency, or resentment. For me, it was my little backup savings account. I wish I could have said, “I read the word, and I obeyed the word.” No, I procrastinated and procrastinated, and procrastinated, and God’s hand was heavy on me; a decision needed to be made. This is where Joshua came into my mind and said,

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” and again, when Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. The rich young ruler chose his wealth over following Jesus. I don’t have the same wealth. I won’t say I would have chosen differently. You can only give with what you are holding on to. Are you withholding because someone withheld from you when you needed help? Then let that be the reason for letting go; do the opposite because you know the pain of rejection. God accepts you; some people flee in times of trouble. But there is only one who is closer than a brother. That is Jesus.

For the giver and receiver, it’s a test to let go of control and trust. It’s all about faith; it’s about God, for His glory.

Yes, I struggled to give up my little savings. School is out, and although many believe teachers get paid for summer vacations, that is far from the truth. Teachers often have side gigs during the school year and hold summer jobs. I have one hundred reasons why I didn’t want to give up what I saved over time. But there is one reason why I should let go. God is my provider. Blessed be the Name of the LORD. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. If I refuse to let go of what He has given me, I show a lack of trust in Him. Letting go demonstrates trust in Him. I admit, though, that I was waiting for God to say, “Don’t touch that savings account! Look, I sent some money over there!” Yes, I have trust issues, and I admit that I’m a work in progress. I am so grateful the LORD is patient!

I am also aware of the enemy’s plan. The devil plants seeds of doubt. He accuses our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need. This is so we can justify our disobedience. After we fail to give, the enemy takes it away because God’s hand of protection is withdrawn. God is so good that He gives us free will to choose. Disobedience is a choice. Also, my tiny seed of savings, God can multiply and pour over to multitudes. To God be the glory!

David knew that no one can out-give God. Someone once told me that God gives to hands that are lifted like a little child. Those hands are open to his father’s loving care. I’m not giving because I want God’s blessings. I already enjoy His blessings daily. I don’t want to lose my fellowship with God.

2 Corinthians 9:7-9″So let each one give as he purposes in his heart. Let him not give grudgingly of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God can make all grace abound toward you. You will always have sufficiency in all things. You will have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Prayer paraphrased, 2 Corinthians 9:10: Let God supply seed to the sower and bread for food. May He supply and multiply the seed you have sown into His Kingdom. Let His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. LORD, increase the fruits of Your righteousness that are in Christ Jesus. Holy Spirit, at the same time, enrich the saints in everything for all liberty, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. Administer according to the richness of Your faithfulness and abounding love, according to the needs of the saints. Let the saint abound in thanksgiving to God. Through the proof of this ministry, we glorify God for our obedience. Let this be our confession to the gospel of Christ, and liberal sharing with one another and all men. By their prayer for You, and long for You, because of the exceeding grace of God in us and through us. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! In Jesus’ Name, amen