"Consistent Faithfulness" | October 5, 2025 | Ps Amber George

In a world that often tells us we don't have enough, it's easy to fall into a scarcity mindset. We cling tightly to what we have, fearing loss and living in a constant state of worry. But what if there was another way? What if we could break free from this cycle and step into a life of abundance and generosity?

The truth is, we were created for more. We were designed to live in overflow, to experience the joy and freedom that comes from trusting in a God who provides abundantly. But how do we make this shift? How do we move from a place of scarcity to one of overflow?

It all begins with faithfulness.

Faithfulness isn't about waiting for the perfect moment or for everything to align just right. It's about trusting God with what we have right now, exactly where we are. This trust is often tested through the practice of tithing - returning the first 10% of our income to God.

Now, before you roll your eyes or click away, hear this out. Tithing isn't about money. It's about surrender. It's about what that money represents to us - our trust, our submission, our fears, and our desire for control. When we choose to tithe, we're not giving God something He needs. Instead, we're surrendering the very things that often hold us back from experiencing true freedom and abundance.

But let's be honest - this isn't easy. There are many myths and misconceptions that can keep us from stepping into this practice of faithful stewardship. Let's tackle three of the biggest ones:

1. "I tithe my time instead of money."
While serving and giving our time is valuable, it's not a substitute for financial giving. The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-46, didn't choose between giving time or resources - they gave both. They shared meals, prayed together, AND sold their possessions to help those in need. It's not an either/or proposition, but a both/and lifestyle.

2. "I'll tithe when..."
Fill in the blank - when I get a promotion, pay off debt, or win the lottery. The problem with this thinking is that there will always be another reason to wait. Jesus reminds us in Luke 16:10-11 that faithfulness in small things leads to faithfulness in larger ones. If we can't trust God with our finances now, how can we expect to handle greater blessings in the future?

3. "God doesn't want my money, the church does."
This myth often stems from past hurts or misunderstandings about the purpose of tithing. The truth is, God doesn't need our money - He wants our hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Tithing is a tangible way to align our hearts with God's priorities and declare Him as Lord over every aspect of our lives.

Breaking free from these myths and stepping into faithful stewardship can lead to incredible breakthroughs. Consider the story of a couple who struggled with infertility. They had already spent significant money on IVF treatments and were saving for another round. When challenged to start tithing, they wrestled with the decision. It seemed counterintuitive to give money away when they were trying to save for their dream of having a child.

However, they decided to trust God and commit to tithing for 90 days. At first, nothing dramatic happened financially. But they noticed they felt more connected as a couple and more aligned in their faith. They chose to continue tithing beyond the 90 days. Remarkably, just a few weeks later, they discovered they were pregnant - naturally. Without spending another dollar on treatments, God had blessed them with the child they had been longing for.

This story illustrates a profound truth: God's provision often looks different than we expect. Sometimes the breakthrough isn't financial at all, but a deeper peace, stronger relationships, or answered prayers in areas we weren't even focusing on.

So how do we practically step into this life of overflow? Here are two challenges:

1. If you're not currently tithing, consider taking a 90-day tithe challenge. Connect with a financial coach or mentor who can encourage and guide you through the process. Give God the opportunity to show up in ways you might not expect.

2. If you are already tithing, ask yourself: Have you truly given control to God, or are you still operating from a place of fear and scarcity? Challenge yourself to move beyond the tithe and ask God how He wants you to steward ALL of your resources.

Remember, the tithe isn't the ceiling - it's the floor. It's a starting point for a life of generosity and trust in God's provision.

As we close, take a moment to reflect. What are you holding onto that's keeping you from experiencing true freedom and overflow? Imagine placing those things - your fears, your need for control, your financial worries - into your open hands. Now, picture yourself turning those hands over and allowing those burdens to fall at the feet of Jesus.

In exchange, ask God to fill your emptied hands with His overflow - His joy, peace, patience, and supernatural trust. Feel the weight lift as you surrender control and embrace the abundant life He has for you.

Living in overflow isn't about having more stuff or a bigger bank account. It's about experiencing the freedom that comes from trusting God completely and allowing His generosity to flow through you. It's about breaking free from the chains of scarcity and stepping into a life of abundance - not just for yourself, but for the benefit of others around you.

Are you ready to test God in this area? Are you willing to take a step of faith and see how He might show up in your life? The choice is yours. Will you continue to live in scarcity, or will you embrace the overflow God has for you?