Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
“Reporters, politicians, and leaders of business and industry often have a modus operandi of negativity and scarcity, many times fueled by fear. The messages we hear caution us regarding moving forward with any certainty. And we dare not give beyond our means.
However, Paul’s encouraging words to us say that God is able to do abundantly far more than anything we are able to ask or even think about asking for. And perhaps even more amazingly, God chooses to work through us to accomplish more than we can imagine…
As we strive to practice fearless generosity, we can remember Paul’s blessing to the church in Ephesians 3:20-21. Using us as willing vessels, God through the Holy Spirit–the power at work within us–is able to accomplish abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine.”
Mark Kirchoff in “Fearless Generosity” issue of Giving: Growing Joyful Stewards in Your Congregation, Vol. 16 (Blaine: ESC, 2014) 3-7.
I just finished leading my Torch Trinity students through the New Testament letters (all day today), and their in-class testimonies and presentations inspired me. They passionately announced the need for repentance: to turn from negativity and scarcity thinking to adopt an abundance perspective from their understand of stewardship formed through our walk through the Scriptures. Soon they will write their philosophy of biblical stewardship paper which will chart the course for the rest of their lives as stewards.
Pray with me that quotes from saints through church history (tomorrow morning’s lesson) and the testimonies of Korean Christians that have gone through “Journey of Generosity” events in Korea (tomorrow afternoon’s panel of givers) will inspire them to surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives so they exhibit the fruit of fearless generosity (cf. Galatians 5:22-23).
I believe, through these 17 students, God will do more throughout Asia and around the world, than I could ever ask or imagine. Make it so, Lord Jesus!