Devotion: Expect abundant blessings
By Dianna Hobbs // Devotion // Your Daily Cup of Inspiration
It was all hands on deck yesterday to sort and organize loads of clothing and furniture donations for women, men and children at a local family services center here in Buffalo, New York.
My husband Kenya, pastor of City Church Buffalo, along with a team of volunteers, assisted refugees from The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar (Burma), who are attempting to resettle in America.
Sandy Mitchell, social media manager for City Church, shared online that Buffalo and Erie County is the largest resettlement area for refugees in New York State. “When our foreign brothers and sisters arrive in America, their small, one-time stipends are not enough to cover the costs of basic housing, food, and clothing,” Sandy said, while admonishing everyone to “continue to serve others in every way we can.”
As Kenya and I discussed the events of the day, the conversation impressed on me the importance of continuing this ministry’s mission to meet the needs of others and reaching out to lend a hand.
If you want to see a glowing example of generosity and love in action, read Acts 4:36-37 about a man named Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” He sold a field he owned, brought the money to the church and put it at the apostles’ feet, giving them permission to use that revenue to help others.
What a vivid picture of what true unity and benevolence looks like, right?
In the early church, the power of God was moving so mightily, thousands of souls were being added to the church daily. It was an exciting time. Even though the Jews were facing persecution for following Christ, that didn’t kill off their enthusiasm or passion for ministry. The more the early Christians were targeted, the more the church grew. No attack could stop the move of God!
Even though many of their lives had been upended by persecution, causing them to flee their homes and lose jobs, verses 33-34 tells us, “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.”
That’s amazing! There was no lack in the early church. For those who did not have as much, God sent help for them. Just as Joseph the Levite had done, the Bible says there were also others who owned land and houses that sold them, brought the money from the sales, and gave what they had away. God used the hands of those who were blessed with abundance to provide for those who were lacking. Therefore, every need was met.
“God is sending this word directly to you today to tell you, don’t worry. Every need will be met. Expect an abundant harvest of blessings!”
Friend, God hasn’t stopped meeting needs. He still does it today, just as He did in the early church. The same grace that was powerfully at work in Acts, is working in your life. The same Holy Spirit that moved back then, is yet moving now. And whenever the spirit of God is at work, needs get met. When His power is active, ways are made and lack is eradicated! Whatever you may be lacking, God will supply your need. Rest in Him and be open to receive. God has no shortage of ways to bless and provide.
In a recent podcast, I shared how, in 2 Kings 4:42-44, God sent a man to the pophet Elisha during a time of famine to feed 100 men who were with him. But, despite the man’s kindness, what he gave was not enough to feed the multitude. So God sent a word and a promise through Elisha that said, “They shall eat and have some left over.” And the Lord supernaturally multiplied the food, leaving them with more than enough.
Just like that, the deficit turned into a surplus!
I often tell you it is God’s good pleasure to meet your needs. When you serve Him wholeheartedly, He is faithful to do the impossible for you! Just like the early church, you may be persecuted, attacked and targeted by the enemy, but the attack won’t stop your blessings. It won’t block your favor. It won’t hinder your breakthrough. It won’t halt your progress or stop the overflow. In the midst of the attack, expect abundant blessings, favor and increase.
To help you get your expectation up, I’m stirring Philippians 4:19 ESV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, remember, your need may be great, but His supply is greater! Be confident that the Lord, who has more than enough, will take care of every single one of your needs.
Now let’s pray.
God, thank You for being an awesome provider and strong deliverer. I praise You for supplying every need. I will not worry or fret over what I lack, because You lack nothing. In all things, I trust You to take care of me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Listen to today’s podcast: God has already done it
