We’re embarking on a spiritual journey. We’re making a headlong leap into the glorious unknown— following Jesus where He’s leading. This journey will culminate with having a place for us—now and in the future.

Following Jesus has never been an easy thing to do. More often than not it’s pretty scary—especially when it concerns our money. There are many ways we could attempt to encourage people to give that do more damage to people than good. Needless to say, we’re not going to do that. Following Jesus should bring you closer to Him.

It’s like jumping off the high-dive for the first time—it’s scary. There are so many unknown factors. Will it hurt? Will I drown? Will I die? But once you jump, and your feet have left the ledge—there is no turning back. You hit the water, and quickly swim up to the top. You are exhilarated by the experience! What once scared you is now fun! The exercise at first was scary.

You were “stretched” beyond what you normally would have done. The fun you experience afterward was worth every bit of the challenge. No one could keep you from the highdive if they tried.

Once God has made it clear to you what He wants you to do, there are two options: Obey or disobey. Whatever your choice, it should be done out of a willingness to obey God alone— not from pressure from others. To obey Him requires that you be willing to be “stretched.” Being stretched like this may not be familiar or comfortable. The joy from the spiritual growth you experience, however, is unimaginable—and is worth every bit of the discomfort and sacrifice.

No one will be able to keep you from trusting in God if they tried.

The following steps are designed to help you reflect on this spiritual exercise.

Step One: Pray

“Lord, how do You want to use me in the mission of The MET? How do You want me to give in making A Place For Us?”

  1. Pray for God to use all of us to make more, and better, disciples for Christ.
  2. Pray for those God will reach through The MET in the future.
  3. Pray that those reached will find healing, grow in their faith, and find community here at The MET.
  4. Pray for the unity of The MET.

If elements from the above prayer points sound familiar—they should. Jesus prayed for the very same things the night before His crucifixion.

“‘My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.’” John 17:20-21 (NIV)

  • Pray that we would all have the mind of Christ.
  • Pray that God provides for The MET financially through each one of us as we seek His face.
  • Ask God to show you how He wants to use your time, your abilities, and your gifts.

Step Two: Evaluate

There are many lies regarding God and money. Too many times we believe them. Be honest with yourself and with God. How do you view your money and stuff? Place a check beside the sentence that best represents how you feel—whether right or wrong. Tell God why you feel this way.

  • These things are mine. I work hard for them. I’m afraid that if I truly surrender, He’s going to make me give it all away. I’m afraid of being left hurting and alone if I don’t protect it.
  • These things are mine, but I feel guilty all the time about giving something.
  • I’m afraid to admit that it all belongs to God. I’m scared He’s going to take it all from me and I won’t have enough money to live.
  • Everything I have belongs to God. I know He’ll take care of me and bless me. I trust Him to provide for me. I am willing to give back to Him to further His purpose.

The following passages of Scripture show how God wants us to view Him. He wants us to see Him as an ally and provider when it comes to what we own—not an adversary. Matthew 6:31-33
Deuteronomy 8:12-18
Romans 8:32
I Chronicles 29:14-17

Step Three: Reflect

An Exercise of Gratitude Take a pack of sticky notes and make a list of the things you own. Write each item on a separate sticky note. Place all the sticky notes in front of you on a table. As you write each item, thank God for it. Be grateful. Reflect on how He has blessed you.

Pray again asking God to show you how He wants to use your time, your abilities, and your gifts in relation to The MET’s future. Begin to consider how you can honor Him by giving.

Step Four: Motivate

Give to God—not to a cause, or a need. Causes die and needs change. God doesn’t. He knows our needs before we know them. God is pleased when we give to Him as an act of obedience. He is honored when we give to Him because we trust Him. He is blessed when we give to Him because we willingly love Him.

We can’t all give the same amount. We all can make sacrifices together. A sacrifice is simply giving up something we love for something we love much more. What does it say about us to give a gift that costs nothing? A gift means so much more when it is given sacrificially out of love.

“‘I cannot take what is yours and give it to the LORD. I will not offer a burnt offering that has cost me nothing!’” I Chronicles 21:24

Step Five:Give

Give. Trust. Rest.

God promises to take care of our every need. He understands that it is easier for us to trust in money and tangible items, than it is to trust Him.

What will you do? Will you take God at His Word? Will you give to Him trusting that He will take care of you? Will you rest in your decision?

Read the following passages of Scripture and evaluate if you truly will believe His promises. Malachi 3:10
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6:31-33
I Timothy 6:17-19