Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (day seven)
“in great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.”–v 2
It was a supernatural outcome. No question. A grace (gift) from God. An unthinkable equation unless the Spirit of God is present. Affliction+joy+poverty=generosity? Yes!
The Macedonians were in a difficult chapter. But with every new hardship, they seemed freer from anxiety, more ready to serve Christ. They wanted to help. Begged for the privilege to do so. It was amazing!
Paul had seen this miracle before. Until a person knows the Spirit of God, he/she is captive to the world and its threats and dangers. Ruled by fear. Obsessed with self. Once a person is filled with the Spirit, he/she is set free from these earth-bound priority-prisons. Freedom comes! And generosity!
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture says, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ “–Jesus (John 7:38)
Amazing! This represents a true love for God, “The Macedonians were in a difficult chapter. But with every new hardship, they seemed freer from anxiety, more ready to serve Christ. They wanted to help. Begged for the privilege to do so.”
Generosity versus greedy! Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will live in each believer and will set us free from all earthy influences! Obsessed with God is the right path and the gateway to long-lasting peace and freedom. God FIRST so the obsession with Self will be less! God is the only way! Let’s celebrate!