Unusual Means
Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and
bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were
with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits
and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons
had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household
manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out
of their means. (Luke 8:1–3)
It was a most unusual means of funding a ministry. Some women
who had been healed of infirmities and demon possession were
following Jesus and His friends, and were paying for their needs.
Most of us would avoid that sort of association. But Jesus saw
beyond their past. He used their gifts with joy.
He still uses unusual means to fund ministries. John Bechtel,
a missionary in Hong Kong, wanted to start a Christian camp to
reach people for Christ. A bankrupt multimillion-dollar hotel and
conference center became available for sale. He made an offer to
purchase the property and then traveled around the world to raise
the millions he would need. But no one was willing to help, so he
returned to Hong Kong discouraged. Then he received a letter from
a young girl that included $1 and a note saying she wanted him
to use it to buy the camp. Bechtel prayed and took the girl’s $1 to
the real estate closing. The corporation decided to accept the $1
as full payment! Since the camp first opened, more than a million
people have attended and more than 100,000 have accepted Christ.
A $1 gift from a young girl has been multiplied many times over
and is a major tool in the Lord’s hands to bring people to Himself.
What do you think He might do with your gift? You might not have
much to give, but when given in the right spirit and with a desire
to serve the Lord, it becomes huge in the eyes of the Lord. He takes
what we have and multiplies it in significant ways.
Jesus took the gifts given by these women and used them to
provide for His disciples and His own needs. Some of these women
did not have the best reputations. That didn’t matter to Jesus. He
knew their hearts. He had poured His life into them and they would
never be the same. Their gifts were sanctified by His Presence and
used for His purpose. So, too, will your gifts be used by the Lord to
advance His Kingdom and accomplish His desires.
Prayer Points
• Ask the Lord to allow you to lay what you have at His feet.
• Pray that the Lord will use your gifts to advance His Kingdom.
My Prayer
Lord Jesus, I love You! I am so grateful that You allow me to give
in a way that brings blessing to You. I want Your Kingdom to grow
and Your purposes to be accomplished. Take what I have and use
it however You desire. Bring glory and honor to Yourself through
my gifts to You.
Excerpted from “The Giving Church” by Dave Butts, and is used by permission of PrayerShop Publishing.