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Have you ever heard one of those stories where a godly individual is running an orphanage for instance, and is unable to fund it's operation himself but relies on God to provide the shortfall?
There are many times when he or she has no food to put on the table, or clothes for the children, but they pray to God and then there is a knock on the door and someone gives them needed clothing or baskets of food just in time?
These are wonderful stories of the faith of individuals who stepped out to do God's work and saw God's hand of provision.
But we should always remember there was another unsung hero here. The rich guy or gal whom God could use to provide what the orphanage needed! The orphanage stayed afloat because they participated using their wealth! In the bible we find God setting aside various times during the year when His people would provide funds for the welfare of the work He was doing in the world at that time.
There were standard times as at Festivals and there might be ad-hoc collections because of hardship or persecution.
One case that was because of hardship is found in 1 Corinthians 16, verse 2 where Paul writes...
1 Cor 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
The aim was to send relief to the brethren in Jerusalem.
The Church today also helps brethren in times of hardship in various parts of the world, whether it be a displaced person's camp or orphanage, etc.
It may not be because of famine or flood. It could be in furthering the gospel by providing books, furniture, stationery, etc. for a school or Church plant, where the locals do not have sufficient funds.
It could be for disaster relief where the Church can do a good work collectively, when as individuals we might not have much impact.
And, at the same time as people learn about why we are helping, our work gives glory to the God who motivates us to help others.
There are many other areas in which Church funds are used to help others and I've only highlighted one or two, to show how we can make a difference by giving of ourselves. It could be our time, our effort or our expertise. It's not just money that God can use to enable us to be a blessing to others; though it could be!
Bu whatever opportunities God puts in our path to help others, lets have the faith to grab them and be one of His unsung heroes who overcame their fear, followed God and as a result whose reward is stored unsullied in Heaven!
Amen.
Best wishes for grace and the peace of Jesus.
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