Some of the most adventurous people I’ve ever known have dedicated themselves to a life of generosity that most of us would never consider. I met the Lee family (religiontorelationship.org) when they framed my house. My home was their final construction project before they embarked on their great adventure to the mission field in Nicaragua.
The Lee’s were formerly Amish, and when they became born-again believers, God called them to be missionaries. They gave up their farm and construction business and—sold just about everything they owned to move their family to Nicaragua to bring the Gospel to the Mesquite Indians. They left their friends in the U.S. to joyfully give of themselves in a country with few amenities, an unruly government, and very little personal contact with all their friends and family. Their life in Nicaragua was built from the ground up—obtaining clean water, electricity, housing, etc. They planted crops, dug wells, and began teaching the indigenous people improved agricultural skills. They came alongside and taught the people life skills to improve their living conditions. And…
The Lee family’s hard-working generosity opened the door to give the Mesquite Indians their most important life-skill of all—a relationship with God!
Every time they come back to the U.S. for a visit, I love to host them for an evening because—their life is such an encouragement to me. Their life of adventurous generosity always challenges me to assess my level of commitment to God. When I hear the opportunities and blessings that their generosity is producing, it motivates me to make sure I’m not missing out on the generosity-adventures God has planned for me! Isn’t it interesting how they do NOT motivate me into guilt-giving??? When I’m around them, I never feel guilty for not doing enough; rather, I feel as if I may be missing out! They don’t wear a hang-dog expression and say, “Woe is me, I’m a missionary, please send your money.” No! It’s quite obvious they are living the greatest adventure of their lifetime!
The Lee family challenges me to keep my assets in check. I don’t want my life so encumbered by material things that I miss the great adventure God has destined for me. I like to keep asking God:
“Do I have too much baggage for the next adventure?“
As of yet, God hasn’t told me to sell everything and move to an underdeveloped country; rather, He challenged me to start living in the adventure of self sacrifice within my law practice. This means that I’m not just giving money—but giving of my time, heart and mind. My experience? When living generously, I NEVER feel deprived.
The Bible says:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what God has put in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
When we follow God’s guidiance to give generously of our time, resources, mind, and heart, it’s ALWAYS—-an amazing adventure!
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
