READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9

I blinked at my phone screen and swallowed the lump in my throat. How could this have happened? I had donated $65 to a Christian charity the month before, back when I was employed, and now I had just received a receipt claiming I had donated another $65 this morning. $65 pulled straight out of my savings rather than my “extras” stash.

I discovered that, either by clerical error or my own mistake, I had been signed up to donate $65 monthly rather than as a one-time gift. I emailed the charity asking them to switch my gift to one-time, but I didn’t ask for my gift back. That just felt wrong.

As this drama ensued, I was on the way to see a visiting relative. When we first arrived, I struggled to maintain focus, but I felt God nudging me to be fully present. There was nothing that could be done about the $65 now. I just had to trust Him.

At the end of the visit, my relative handed me a red packet. These are traditionally given in Chinese culture during the Lunar New Year festivities, but that had passed months ago.

“Since I haven’t seen you in so long,” he explained with a smile.

When I opened it later, I found $100 inside! Nearly double what I had accidentally donated. And I knew, with both conviction and hope, that God was providing for me. Even though my generosity had been unintentional this time, He blessed it.

Whenever I wonder about whether to give, I remember God’s provision. Everything I have belongs to God, and He will always take care of my needs. When I give, I am boldly acting on my faith. Of course, we shouldn’t give expecting to receive more money in return, but we can certainly expect the blessing of increased trust in our loving Father. • Hannah Chung

• God loves you, and He knows about all your needs. Just as He takes care of every living creature, He provides for you (Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:10-20). Have you ever experienced God providing for your needs through the generosity of others? What was that like?

• Generosity is an act of praise to God for what He’s already given us: Jesus. By sending Jesus to die for our sins and rise again, the Father gave us everything we need to spend eternity with Him. Consider taking some time to remember Jesus’s sacrifice and thank Him. You can also ask Him how He might be inviting you to be generous to others this week.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)