“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,
who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17, NIV
Devotional About Giving – Day 14
Yvette struggled to be generous. She wanted to become more giving, but every time she had an opportunity to give, fear entered her heart. She found herself asking the same question again and again, “What if there’s not enough? What if this is my last paycheck? I’ve been unemployed before.”
Yvette shared her concerns with her counselor. “Am I alone with this? Am I like Scrooge in The Christmas Carol?”
Her counselor handed Yvette a beautiful journal and a pen. “For the next two weeks, I want you to record every single gift God has given you. From each new day to the food you eat, try to write down what you’re receiving.”
The first day, Yvette struggled to come up with blessings. But day by day, it got easier. Pretty soon, she could rattle off dozens of gifts that came her way–from her unborn grandchild’s heartbeat to the feel of the soft grass under her feet. Yvette knew she was blessed.
Then she noticed a curious thing—the more she focused on her blessings, the easier it was to give to others. When she thought about the abundance God was pouring out on her, it seemed a small thing to share money or time with someone in need.
God, sometimes I’m tempted to withhold my time, talents, or money from someone else. Let me instead count all of the beautiful gifts You’ve given me so that my heart would be gracious.
