An interesting proverb is found in Isaiah 32:8: A generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand. It’s wonderful for people to be known for their generosity; yet this verse also describes God—for as John 3:16 tells us, God so loved the world that He gave. God is generous and plans generous acts.
We see this in the story of the poor widow who tells Elisha she has nothing but a jar of oil. He answers, “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few” (2 Kings 4:3). It’s a step of faith for her to scour the neighborhood for empty vessels. Yet when she obeys, a miracle occurs. She pours out the oil, filling all the empty jars.
If we are expecting God to do a miracle, He is expecting us to do our part to have the faith to build the vessels for Him to fill.
I love to tell the story of CBN’s first bank account. My father had filed the articles of incorporation for CBN, although he had virtually nothing. He wanted to have a vessel for God to fill—such as a bank account. So he went to a bank near the TV station that God had told him to claim in Portsmouth, Virginia. After he filled out the forms and picked out the checks, the clerk told him, “It’s customary to make an initial deposit.”
Each of us should construct vessels for God to fill—in our lives, our personal finances, and what we want from God for the future.
He only had $3.25 in his pocket, and he needed a quarter to pay the toll home—so he gave her the three wrinkled dollar bills. Smiling sweetly, she said, “The checks cost $6.” Dad quickly asked,
“Can I have that on account?” For some reason, she agreed. As I look at CBN’s ministry today, I see how much has come from that negative $3 deposit!
Each of us should construct vessels for God to fill—in our lives, our personal finances, and what we want from God for the future. When we start with so little, He gets all the glory. He is the one who calls us, saves us, inspires us, enables us, and provides for us.
The most precious thing we have is time, and the best way to invest it is by preaching the Gospel to every nation, tribe, and tongue. We want to spend our time on things that will lead to great joy in heaven.
Isaiah 61:11 promises, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Some plant while others water or weed, but it is always God who gives the increase. God bless you.
Scripture is quoted from the NKJV. This teaching was given during a CBN staff chapel.
