One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Proverbs 11:24
“I have every reason to believe, that, had I begun to lay up, the Lord would have stopped the supplies, and thus, the ability of doing so was only apparent. Let no one profess to trust in God, and yet lay up for future wants, otherwise the Lord will first send him to the hoard he has amassed, before He can answer the prayer for more.”
George Muller in George Muller and His Witness to a Prayer Hearing God, compiled by Arthur T. Pierson (New York: Baker and Taylor, 1899) 442-443.
In my own journey I have found it to be true. I was guilty for years of storing up treasures on earth clearly ignoring the command of Jesus not to so. I acted like I knew better.
Proverbs reveals what happens when we profess to trust but don’t do it in actuality. It leads to poverty rather than generosity. Few express this as clearly and concisely as Muller.
Thus, the key to avoiding poverty and unleashing generosity is to help rather than hoard. This is no prosperity gospel, but rather pure gospel. Obedience to the commands of Jesus.
How does the Spirit within you stir when you read this? For some, it convicts them to put to work what God has supplied. For others, it inspires them to keep helping others.
Sit with the LORD and follow His leading in your response. And say a prayer for Jenni and me. We fly to the East Coast to sow this truth in hearts at Black Rock Retreat tomorrow.