We continue in our Friday series, Life Change Inbox. I have been sharing some of the wonderful emails my husband gets, where people share the work God is doing in their lives through Elevation Church. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:2-4 that our lives are living letters written so that God might be glorified.
I hope Christin's story blesses you the way it did me...
My husband and I relocated to Charlotte February of this year. The week prior to closing on our first home my husband lost his job. We were devastated. Here we were in a new place surrounded by new people, and a new mortgage we could not afford. In search of hope we attended Elevation for the first time. That's all it took. Week after week we returned hungry for God's word. And week after week we were lifted higher; our faith became stronger. We began tithing for the first time. Yes, it was scary at first to give at a time when we were short one income. But we knew in our hearts blessings require obedience, and obedience requires faith. Within a few months my husband was offered a job making more then he was making with his previous employer. The answer to our prayers for my husband to find work was anwsered. But our greatest blessing was an newfound relationship with our Father. We trusted in Him completely even through many words of discouragement from family and friends; and He showed up!
It all came full circle when we saw a video of how Elevation uses the offering for so many amazing outreach programs. What a feeling to know that we are a part of how Elevation is making a difference all over the world! Tithing is not an obligation for us; it is a blessing and a vital step of faith in our relationship with God.
It is a season to tithe, I am a single mother, without savings, and sadly without a budget, and I know better. I know better, because God wants more for me in my life, and in my finances. But I have trusted him, and he has provided, and from my heart I do give a tithe! It is confusing sometimes to know what to do, but when I give, I get a sense of peace that I am doing the right thing, and I don’t miss the money. Yes it gets tight at the end of the month, but I think it’s where he wants us. To stop and think about where it’s all going. And when there is little, to ask should I really be spending it on things that have no value? This is where I am today, wanting to make sure what I have is going to the things that matter. To the things that inspire me, instead of break me $$. With a real relationship with the Lord, you know to seek him, your heart is around him, and He will make a way for you. I haven't made the leap yet to give the full 10% but I plan to 2012. So excited for this new season of new obedience, and the wonderful newness He will be revealing.
Posted by: Laura | November 01, 2011 at 03:10 PM
That is a tremendous testimony of the truth about tithing vs. the Lie: tithe out of abundance, and our leftovers. Sounds like they are reaping in abundance from the sacrifitial "first fruits"!!!! May God bless that sweet couple!
Posted by: kelly webb | October 30, 2011 at 02:00 PM