
A Lesson in Abundance
All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.—PSALM 37:3 KJV
It’s a fact of life: Once you start meeting the needs of the people around you, you’ll always find more people around you with needs.
This is no surprise, of course. Jesus Himself said, “The poor you will always have with you” (Mark 14:7 NIV). There will always be people who need financial, physical, or spiritual help.
As much as we may want to help everyone with a need, we can’t. We can’t provide food to every hungry person in our town. We can’t keep every disabled child from the world’s cruelty. We can’t care for every widow and orphan we meet.
And we don’t have to. Paul wrote, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10 KJV).
We must have faith that the Lord will bring those who need us most into our lives. And we must trust Him to provide for us. As we do good to those around us, He will meet our needs. “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack” (Proverbs 28:27 KJV).
Open your eyes to the needs around you and trust in the Lord. As you care for others, He will care for you.
Father, sometimes I don’t think I can take care of one more person! My resources are already stretched. Please give me the faith to stretch out my hands to the needy, knowing that You will provide my needs as I minister.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.—Luke 21:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)