Financially giving to others can open the door for faith to grow in their lives. I have experienced this firsthand. Years ago, my wife was on her way to church one Sunday when she felt prompted in her spirit to give money to a single father in our congregation. When she arrived at church, she sought me out before the service began and filled me in on this strong impression she felt. Familiar with the man she spoke of and aware of the long hours he worked just to pay the bills, I agreed. She asked me how much we should give, and I said, “I guess $100. Does that sound good?” to which she quickly responded, “That’s what I felt like we should give him, too.” She proceeded to grab an envelope, slide $100 into it, and then asked someone to give it to him anonymously on our behalf.

Here’s where the story gets good. That same morning, this single father woke up feeling like he needed to give $100 to someone else in need at our church. He wrestled with the idea since he barely had enough to support his own family, and giving that large amount would deplete most of his money for the week. But he couldn’t shake the urge to give the money away to this specific person. Taking a step of obedience and a leap of faith, he came to church and gave the money to the person, praying, “God, I trust you to provide.” 

I’m sure you can guess what happened. Right after he gave his money away, he anonymously received an envelope with exactly $100 in it. He couldn’t believe it! As fast as he gave his money away, God showed up and replenished his resources. This experience raised his faith to a new level. He immediately came up and shared his story with the church that morning; he couldn’t hold his gratitude in. My wife and I were blown away. He never knew the second hundred dollars came from us, but we got to see the hand of God at work through the whole process.

What you give could be the answer to someone’s prayer. In doing so, you become the physical hands and feet of Jesus to show others God’s provision for their situation. When you share your treasures, it raises the faith of others.

Matthew 10:8b (NIV)

Freely you have received; freely give.