Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

One thing as Christians we always need to remember is “God will provide” whether its in our Church, or whether it’s in our family, if it’s God’s will, He will provide! Think back to Jesus feeding the 5,000 with 5 loaves and two fish (Matthew 14) What happened there? God provided for the multitude even when it seemed like there was no way. If you are ordained by God, and if you are in the will of God, you can be assured God will provide!

Look at our scripture readings today, Paul is talking about the Churches of Macedonia, even though they were financially poor from a worldly perspective, they still provided for Paul and his ministry, how is this possible? Again going back to the story of 5 loaves and 2 fish, if its God’s will ordained, God will provide for it!  

Notice the state of these Churches also “that in a great trial of affliction and their deep poverty” These were not “mega-Churches” that had large air conditioned buildings with millions in the bank, these were persecuted Churches that barely had enough money to survive. Yet God used these Churches to provide for others! Why? To bring Glory to God! 

If a mega-Church financially provided for a ministry , would that be impressive? No, not really, since they have private jets and big bank accounts, this would be expected, however a Church that is financially poor still provides for other brothers and sisters in Christ, this is impressive! People look at this and wonder “how is this happening” and it points right back to the sovereignty of God

Paul says here “I bear record, you and beyond their power they were willing of themselves” The Apostle Paul is recognizing their generosity and obedience to God. And God will use this for people to ask “How is this possible, How is this Church doing this”? And it goes back to their faith in Jesus Christ, God will provide Amen!