FAITH CAPSULE: offering without faith is giving in fear of nothing to show for giving.
Genesis 4
The Bible talked about offering by faith using the story of Abel as an example when it states that, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” (Hebrews 11:4) Giving offering without faith is giving in fear of nothing to show for giving. Offering without faith is an evidence of offering in fear. Fear is what displeases God. Offering that is given in fear is without expectation of a manifestation of a worthy reward. When Abel and Cain gave offering to God, Abel’s offering gained so much attention from God. Evidently Cain’s offering did not gain attention from God. In their offering, “…Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.” (Genesis 4:3-5) Clearly they both brought what they had to God as an offering but the difference is Abel brought everything that was added (Fat) to his offering. Abel separated nothing from what he brought as an offering to God. Abel brought his very first best and did not offer what is termed as “just an offering.” Giving unto God or giving because of the name of God demands that we give all without holding back or without fear.
When a stranger (Elijah) approached the widow of Zarephath, he did not only ask for water but also asked for bread (a fat offering request). The widow was living in a land where drought had been on for years and not knowing how long it would continue. Also, she had no knowledge about who Elijah was. The woman only had enough for herself and her son when Elijah’s request came to her in the name of God. The woman responded with fear and that prompted Elijah to respond, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.” So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days.” (1Kings 17:13-15) Fear is what Elijah required the women to disallow between her and her giving to God as he had requested. He requested her to not to allow her own need to become a priority right now. Giving offering by faith, should never make room for fear which builds discouragement. Giving in the name of God like the woman of Zarephath did will deliver uncommon blessing.
Prayer for today: Ask for the grace that eliminates fear in time of your giving.