In the deepest part of my heart I’m a utopian idealist. I’m aware that some people label this type of personality as an unrealistic dreamer, but I like to call it, “the norm if you make it the norm.” I honestly believe amazing and wonderful and beautiful things can happen when selfless, willing, and faithful people step up and out in obedience.
When I read passages of scripture like 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 there’s this stirring in my soul that says, “Psst, Cindy, it really IS possible when you believe in a big God.”
So I share this passage of scripture with you today as a challenge to say this: be audacious. Go out into your pocket of the world and get your love on. Be generous. Be adventurous. Be radical. Be the change you want to see because your faith in Jesus is completely and 100% UNcontainable. No matter what difficulty you may be facing or what trial has you bogged down in turmoil, do something – anything – to bring a smile to someone else’s face. May any pressure you’re experiencing in this life be what triggers you to do something totally unexpected as an outpouring of His love… His grace… His mercy… His generosity… because that’s how Christ would have us live.
“Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could – far more than they could afford! – pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.”
