Being a generous person and investing in God’s work is something really special. However, there is that one verse in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that begs an important question. 

First, the verse.

“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)

Now the question.

If I’m not “cheerful” about it, does that mean I don’t have to give?

Let me just back it up a bit and ask another question. If I really love my spouse or my kids, does that mean I only have to do the things I am cheerful about?

The great thing about love is this, we do the loving thing and often, the actual feelings of love, joy or “cheerfulness” follow.

Hey, we all have had those moments when we didn’t “feel” like serving and sure weren’t very “cheerful” about it. However, after it was all said and done and we served, helped, painted, mowed or whatever we did…it felt GOOD.

Doing the right thing, following God’s lead and trusting Him for the outcome is just one of the very important steps we’re all taking together in this journey we call The Epic Life.

Prayer thought:

Expect delays! I have learned by now that I can pretty much expect to be sick, experience back pain, or enjoy fits from my children before having to be somewhere to serve. Now that I know what to expect, now that it has been revealed to me, I know how to pray and I know how to press on. No matter how awful I may feel moments before serving, in the moment I feel completely uplifted, encouraged and healed. So, expect it, and don’t let it stop you! Pray against it in your prayer time. Ask the Lord to protect your time of service, and the time leading up to it. There is a very real threat out there who wants to keep you focused on you, fight it with PRAYER!