I wish we had known these words of Corrie Ten Boom at that time:  "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  The day came, though, when we decided to step out in faith and become tithers.  It was scary, but more and more we came to understand that we were stewards of abundance, not scarcity, and that God would sustain us.

What a joy this journey became for us!  Did we still struggle financially at times?  Of course.  But our commitment to first fruits, proportional giving to God's work actually freed us from a lot of the worry and concern that we had experienced.  God gave us enough, and sometimes more than enough, to carry us through.

A church we visited recently has this as one of its guiding principles:  "Giving is what Christians do."  That is so true when it comes to our time, groceries for the food pantry, plates of cookies for a reception, donations to World Hunger or disaster relief - but not always with our financial stewardship.

In a few days we will accompany Jesus again through his death and resurrection.  In his death he gave all he had so that we might live.  In his resurrection God gave his life back - and more - so that we might be assured of God's loving care, no matter what.

Easter is a time when we celebrate the abundance of God's love, amidst the riotous abundance of spring growth and renewal.  May this also be a time when we commit, or recommit, to sharing the abundance of our wealth.  Giving is what Christians do!

In God's abundant peace,

Pr. Jim Goldsmith