Be sure to read the scripture reading for today before you read this devotion. In this chapter, Paul was writing to the believers in Corinth concerning a contribution they began to gather for the Christians in Jerusalem but had not yet finished collecting. To encourage the Corinthians to complete this offering, Paul used the churches in Macedonia — Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and others — as examples.

Verses 2-5 in the Amplified Version give us a better understanding of the original Greek:

For in the midst of an ordeal of severe tribulation, their abundance of joy and their depth of poverty (together) have overflowed in wealth of lavish generosity on their part. For, as I can bear witness, (they gave) according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability; and (they did it) voluntarily, Begging us most insistently for the favor and the fellowship of contributing in this ministration for (the relief and support of) the saints (in Jerusalem). Nor (was this gift of theirs merely the contribution) that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us (as His agents) by the will of God — that is, entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:2-5, TAB)

These believers gave liberally to meet the needs of the Church at Jerusalem, knowing that God would supernaturally provide for them.

The Macedonian congregations who gave to the Jerusalem Church were themselves facing a time of great trial and poverty. Macedonia had been overrun by armies, the country had been devastated, and the inhabitants stripped of their wealth, but their focus was not on their own financial situation. They were not moaning, groaning, or complaining because of Satan's attacks on their finances. They were rejoicing! They knew God would supply their need!

Their eyes were not on their own meager resources, but on God's supernatural provision. They gave liberally out of their deep poverty, trusting God to provide supernaturally for them.

One of Satan's major strategies to keep Christians in financial bondage is to convince them they cannot afford to give. He tries to keep you focused on your own financial needs so you stop giving or give sparingly because your eyes are fixed on your limited finances instead of God's promises. You can't afford not to give because it is the key to this divine Cycle of God's Supernatural Provision.

I can't afford not to give because it is the key to the divine Cycle of God's Supernatural Provision.