STEWARDSHIP
 
EXAMPLE FOR GIVING?                          John Butler
 
“How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” (II Cor 8:2)
This verse tells about the incredible giving performance of the Macedonian believers. It says they were motivated by difficulty and delight to give extra liberally.
 
Difficulty. “A great trial of affliction…their deep poverty.” There is a common saying today which says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” That is a description of the giving performance of the Macedonians. They faced two great difficulties. These were pain and poverty.
 
First pain. The word “affliction” means to crush or compress. It is translated “anguish” in John 16:21 regarding the pain a woman experiences in childbirth. The Macedonians had been ravaged by war. Yet this difficulty did not stop their giving. It only encouraged it.
 
Poverty. War has depleted their resources. They were in “deep poverty.” But this difficulty didn’t stop their giving either. The excellent performance of the Macedonians in spite of their difficulties reminds us that difficulties are often necessary to produce a good performance.
 
Some flowers will not bloom well unless they experience stress. Some trees will not grow well unless they are subjected to the ravages of severe storms. Trial and difficulties are often necessary for people, too, to refine character and improve spiritual performance.
 
Delight. “The abundance of their joy.” A second key to the great giving performance of the Macedonians was their great joy. Where did they get such great joy when their circumstances were so difficult? The answer is that their joy was the joy of the Lord.
 
When they received Christ as their Savior, they experienced a joy which this world cannot equal. It is a joy that is not based on circumstances. It is a joy that can take a valley of defeat and make it a mountain of victory. It is a joy that will motivate the finest of service for the Lord. You need joy to perform well and that joy comes from Jesus. When you commit yourself to Christ as Savior and Lord, you will experience this unequaled joy.
 
Converge Celebration Banquet The Converge Celebration Banquet is scheduled for Thursday evening, April 18th at the Hyatt Regency in Rosemont. The highlight of this celebration will be the retirement of President Gary Rohrmayer and a celebration of Conference ministries. A sign-up sheet is outside of the Pastor’s office for members who want to attend this event. Be prepared to make a pledge for Conference ministries.