Some months ago I was complaining about something, and Holy Spirit dealt with me about it. In all honesty, I had given some money as a donation for a fundraiser, and had been saying I wanted my money back. Partly playing, but I was also serious about it as well. I know what you’re saying, God loves a cheerful giver, right? I said it too! Trust me, I know and knew that! And yes, that is scriptural. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV I didn’t give until I felt a peace about it. Yet, I started feeling the way I felt about it a few weeks later.
It wasn’t that I wasn’t cheerful when I gave it, but for personal reasons I regretted having given it. It wasn’t even about the amount of the sacrifice. Something just wasn’t sitting well with me. So, I was getting ready to go somewhere and I started thinking about it. Although, I wasn’t saying it out loud this time, I was thinking it…. I want my money back! However, we must remember that it’s not as if God doesn’t know our thoughts. LOL. So, whether I said it out loud or not, it was being heard! I immediately heard Holy Spirit tell me “Do not say that again! I Am still going to bless you! Yes, you are to be a cheerful giver, but you are forgetting about the law of sowing and reaping! Seedtime and harvest. Man’s actions does not negate that fact.” You better believe I was quick to repent, and I have not said those words again! Nope, I’d heard Him loud and clear. Praise God!
God knew my intentions on giving were good and pure. I’ve always checked with God to see if the ground was good, and if it was His will for me to give. I did the same thing in this situation. I waited to give to make sure that a part of me wasn’t giving out of pressure. That is never a good thing. And I waited to make sure that the other part of me wasn’t giving out of loyalty. We must be careful to not let either pressure or loyalty be the reason we do things without first speaking with the Father. He knows the truth and outcome of a thing, and He is faithful to give us the direction we need. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the pace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philipians 4:6-7 Moving without feeling the peace of God is a definite no-no!
So, why is it now that I didn’t feel the peace I originally felt? Honestly, it was because I had been offended. Holy Spirit revealed it to me, and I quickly allowed Him to deal with me and my heart. Why am I telling you this? I believe someone reading this needs to know that your sacrifice was not in vain! Maybe you too had the right heart when you gave your money, time, talents, gifts, etc. Perhaps you too had an unsettling feeling about it afterwards, and are still struggling with the decision(s) you made. What is it that you have regretted, and you keep harping on it? Did you ask God about it before hand? Did you make the decision out of pressure or loyalty?
If any of the above rings true for you, let me encourage you to first check your heart. I had to deal with the offense that I felt in my own heart. Then you have to ask the Lord to deal with what the issue is in order to bring healing. Once I did, the very peace I had when I gave the offering came back. I believe that I was well on my way to forfeiting the blessing that was coming to me, and Holy Spirit had to put me in check! We can’t let the actions or perceived actions of others keep us from what God has for us. So, if you did it all as unto the Lord, and took it before God for approval in the first place; and He gave you His Yes, then be encouraged! He did bless me, just like He said! You need to understand that He is still God and He is still going to bless you too!
by Denia Davis
intimatesurrendermagazine.com 