Filled with abundant Joy!

2 Corinthians 8:2 (NLT) They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

The Macedonian believers had every reason to complain, though Paul doesn’t indicate which troubles he is referring to there is little doubt he isn’t referring to an unseasonably wet summer or a mild tooth ache. Paul is familiar with severe suffering but whatever troubles these believers are experiencing they are full of joy. They experience God’s goodness, God cares for them and us not just materially but even more important he knows when we are struggling and wants to encourage us. We may not have what we want, the Macedonians were very poor but it didn’t seem to bother them or limit their generosity, indeed their giving was an example to the Christian world at that time. What have we to give thanks to God for? How can we give our time, our effort and our money to honour God?

Father give us a grateful and generous heart that we might know your joy!