Godly Coincidences

Tithing. That is a tricky word, for me. It is very clear to me why God asks us to tithe, but it is also very clear to me that writing a check for a percentage of our first fruits usually makes my blood pressure rise and my heart palpitate.

Let me explain. When Chris lost his job about a year ago, we got a little screwed in the area of health insurance. By screwed I mean we now pay for our own health insurance. This is not uncommon, but not every person paying for their own health insurance has degenerative disc disease. Isis and I are both considered a level one. Chris, and his back, are a level four. Basically, Isis and I together equal about 1/3 the cost we pay for insurance.

Now, what in the world does this have to do with giving money to God? Well, in short, by the time we write our tithe check and our health insurance check, we have money left for groceries and gas. Sometimes I just want to take the tithe check and stick it back into our bank account. Not to be selfish, but because I am pretty sure God would still like me if I did. Knowing God has amazing grace makes it a little easier to screw up from time to time. I think of the things I could buy with the extra money. What if I just gave God some of it? That way we both win and I come out with a little something extra for the house. Then I remember the Bible does not instruct us to give leftovers.

But I don't. Despite the potential for a monthly heart attack over financial worries, I write the check...for two reasons. One. I believe that first giving to God keeps us in check a little. It doesn't leave too much room for unnecessary purchases or things that don't bring us a bit of happiness. It keeps us simple and full of experiences, not items. Two. It is a complete leap of faith for me. Each month as I drop that check into the offering plate, it is my way of telling God that I know he will provide for me until more money comes. Honestly, the money is not always there for everything. But somehow, we make it work. Or should I say, He makes it work.

Last month I was especially struggling with this. I must confess, I contemplated just not giving anything. It is amazing how powerful money can be. But I knew that if I was truly living on faith, that God would provide. So I wrote it. The very next day Chris called to inform me that our health insurance company had lowered his standing to a level three. What does this mean? A savings of roughly $300.00 a month.

I am not telling you this to brag about being richer. We certainly aren't and hopefully never will be. I am telling you what happens when you truly live on faith. I remember asking my wise older brother one time how you know if something is just coincidence or if it is God's work. He told me that if you look at everything as just a coincidence, you will never see God.