One of the biggest issues people have is that they have a “stronghold” concerning giving. Many were brought up in a mindset of scarcity and the stronghold against giving became substantial. They think that their needs are greater than those whom FATHER would have them give to or they do not trust FATHER to provide for them if they do give. Either way they are missing out on a blessing. What would happen if certain parts of your body withheld nourishment to other parts for fear they would be left wanting? Your overall wellbeing would suffer and the same it true for the Body of Christ. As for me, it took trusting in the promises contained within FATHER’S Word and to step out in faith that HE truly would supply all my need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus. I assure you strongholds had to be pulled down in my case.
Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 4:
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Here we have Paul being led by THE SPIRIT to write two-thirds of the New Testament and yet he has a need. Most people would think that if FATHER used him so mightily, he would need no assistance of any type. People gave into Jesus’ ministry and these Philippians helped Paul multiple times. How did Paul describe this assistance? Without hesitation his description was “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God”. If something is well pleasing to FATHER, what would HIS response be? “My GOD shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” That is how Love responds to those who have a heart to give.
FATHER can and will supply assistance through other means if the brethren withhold assistance for HE is not limited to the willingness of men to give. If need be FATHER will move upon the heathen to fund the Gospel. By THE SPIRIT it is written in Ezra chapter 1:
1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying,
2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia:
All the kingdoms of the earth the LORD God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. 3 Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.
Cyrus was led to have the Temple built in Jerusalem. FATHER knew Cyrus’ heart and stirred it up to do HIS bidding. FATHER will not be restricted in meeting the needs of HIS anointed. We can either choose to be a part of the group of cheerful givers or simply watch from a distance as FATHER moves forward. In the latter case, those who only observe miss out on a blessing initiated by FATHER. It is our choice to either allow the stronghold of scarcity to prevail or to tear it down brick by brick and allow the blessings of FATHER to flow to and through us.