On Stewardship, Faith, and Miracles in the Making

When God has a lesson He wants you to learn it’s amazing to what lengths He will go to impart it.

Two weeks ago on Sunday morning I woke up to the word “steward” in my devotional and then, just a short time later, “stewardship” in my reading for Bible study. I took note because I was about to launch my blog that week. Truly, it has been a process of trusting and obeying in the face of fear, anxiety, and doubt. But if there’s one thing I know it’s that Living InWords is a ministry God has entrusted to me.

Because He believes in me and has called me to this work, how could I do anything but walk forward in faith?

Faith: The Anchor to Our Soul

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,” (English Standard Version). This gift, imparted by God, is like a rope to an anchor we cannot see. Hang onto it, and you hang onto Almighty God Himself.

But faith is not for the faint of heart. 1 Corinthians 4:2 declares, “Moreover, it is required [emphasis added] of stewards that they be found faithful.” This implies that we have a responsibility as God’s children in how we conduct ourselves.

In the matter of this blog it has sometimes meant meeting God at my keyboard at a time I’d rather be sleeping because I promised Him I’d be faithful to deliver the words He’s entrusted to me. Could I be grumpy about that? I suppose.

But here’s the thing. He keeps showing up with more grace! He reminds me that my faithfulness isn’t just about you, dear reader, it’s about me too! I’m learning to push past what I thought were my limits. I’m discovering an ability to prioritize and in turn be flexible, adjusting course as the Spirit directs. I’m honing new skills in an area (technology) that has always frustrated me⚊still does!, but now I have the fortitude to tackle it. Above all, I’m growing in my faith.

Don’t Bury Your Talent!

At church yesterday, Pastor Doug taught on the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). God, like the master in the story, entrusts each of us with a costly investment. (Did you know a talent is the equivalent of 15 years’ salary? So even if you see yourself as just a one talent guy or girl, you have immense worth!) He expects we will do something with what He has given us and not just hoard or bury it like the “wicked and slothful” servant.

“When we give our time and resources to God, He multiplies it to make an impact for His Kingdom. But we must move past fear and self-preservation,” Pastor Doug Bergsma of City Church said in his sermon aptly titled Double It. When we do, the results are nothing short of miraculous.

When we give our time and resources to God, He multiplies it to make an impact for His Kingdom. But we must move past fear and self-preservation.

Pastor Doug Bergsma, City Church

I was reminded of what Dallas Jenkins, the creator of The Chosen series, often says: “It’s not your job to feed the 5,000, only to provide the loaves and fish.” What a humbling yet encouraging reminder which should spur us on to even greater acts of faith!

So what is it God has given you to steward? Children? Marriage? A job or business or ministry? All of us have been entrusted with some measure of talent, resources, and relationships. And we’ve all been given the same 1,440 minutes in a day. How are you doing in your stewardship? What mid-course corrections do you need to make?

May it be said of us: “So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Amen.