Breathe in Tough Times!
(Generosity Stewardship is not just about money)
In these tough times, we must lean completely on God. David exemplified trust in tough times when his very life depended on it. The theme, I trust you God, can be gleaned in the following text as David exhibited his faith, “…I’m leaping and singing in the circle of your love; you saw my pain, you disarmed my tormentors, You didn’t leave me in their clutches but gave me room to breathe” (MSB Psalm 31:6-8).
Smothered by life’s challenges? Breathe! Health issues? Breathe! Addictions: habits that injure spiritual health and physical health—breathe! Family challenges? Breathe! Stressed by current local and world events? Breathe!
We live in this socially charged atmosphere of “I Can’t Breathe,” reignited by the death of George Floyd. With God’s help and our positive actions, and reactions, North American Division (NAD) Stewardship Ministries concurs with the
official statement on racial turmoil by the Division
. Like David says, God gives us room to breathe when things get tough; when we are challenged. We see stewardship ministries in North America as an opportunity by God’s grace to breathe fresh positive life into your experience. And believe we can breathe again while we await and serve until the Lord comes. As Christians, we can actively face crises like these, social injustice, unrest, and this continuing pandemic with Jesus. So, In Earth’s final prophetic hour, yes, breathe!
Let’s shift our focus a little. Yes! We must live each day as if it were our last awaiting his coming. However, Jesus also balance’s this idea with the words, “occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13), a stewardship principle. Hence whatever happens, we must continue to take care of daily activities, business and plan for the future until unable. This is managing life—a part of wholistic stewardship.
In these tough financial times, we may still breathe!
Let’s talk about the mission briefly, what is our overall mission even in tough times? “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (KJV Matthew 28:19-20). Much gratitude to our members and guests who continue to return and give to God their means and service. We must verbally let members and volunteers know how much they are continually appreciated for their sacrifice.
When reporting what the contributors (members and guest supporters) have returned in tithes and given in offerings, the financial report should breathe too.
