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I have engaged in many conversations about Reimagine Foursquare in the past two years. One of the important conversations has been about increasing the resources going to the field to support mission. In the midst of these conversations, it occurred to me that we can sometimes overemphasize the correlation between increased resources and increased fruitfulness.

The apostle Paul gave us great perspective when he said: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” (Phil. 4:12, NLT).

What was the secret Paul learned? He came to understand at a very practical level that God was the source of his resources, and also the source of his contentment.

Paul’s words to the Philippians encourage us to live in this reality: “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Is it good to have more resources? Certainly! But I think that all of us have to conduct regular assessments of how we are stewarding the assets and gifts that God has already entrusted to us.

We must learn to live effectively in our current situations. We have to make sure that we are using the resources God has already given us to the fullest extent and in a way that truly glorifies God. When we are good stewards of the resources God has already given us, He will trust us with more.

Being content does not mean that we are satisfied with staying where we are. It means that we understand where God has us at a particular point in time; we are fully invested in the present even while we look to the future. Part of being a good steward is looking to God for ways to multiply the resources He provides. What are you multiplying?

Lord, help us to keep You and Your kingdom squarely in view as we seek to multiply the resources You provide to us. We are merely vessels through which You funnel them. Let us not focus on how much or how little we have, but let us look to You for direction as to how to most effectively multiply them for Your glory and to expand Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

This is my prayer, and I hope it will become yours, as well.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

Are you praying for more while not focusing on stewarding the gifts God has already given? Ask God to show you ways to use and share the blessings you have. Praying with us? Include what you are praying for in a comment below. 

is the chief financial officer of The Foursquare Church, and serves as the associate pastor at Panorama Full Gospel Foursquare Church in Panorama City, Calif.
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