Locations & Times

Have you ever paused to really take in all that you have? To look around and realize that even in the seasons that didn’t make sense, God has always provided exactly what you needed, in the right timing. But, maybe not the way you expected, but always faithful, always steady.

I can think of so many moments when life felt overwhelming —bills piling up, responsibilities pressing in, and my heart barely holding on. In those moments, I’d find myself asking, “God, why does everything have to hit all at once?” And then I’d notice someone else walking through something just as hard—maybe even harder—and feel that quiet tug in my heart to help… even when I wasn’t sure how I could.

Sometimes, God asks us to step out in ways that don’t make sense—to leave what feels secure, to move somewhere unfamiliar, or to give toward something when our resources already feel stretched thin. Those moments stretch us. Giving anything can feel impossible; giving everything feels risky. It’s often in those moments—when logic fails and faith is all we have left—that God does His best work.

When I look back, I can see His fingerprints throughout my story. In the seasons that felt delayed. In the prayers that seemed unanswered. In the times I thought I didn’t have enough. Every moment was a thread of His faithfulness, weaving something far bigger than I could see at the time.

Maybe you’ve felt that too—a quiet nudge to trust Him when it doesn’t make sense or feels too risky. To step out when the numbers don’t add up. To give when you’re not sure how you’ll make it. It’s scary, yes—but it is in that place where faith begins to breathe. That’s where we start to see the beauty of His provision unfold in ways only He can orchestrate.

Throughout Scripture, we see reminders of this truth. God gives us what we need and invites us to live with open, grateful hearts. When we surrender—even the small things—He multiplies them far beyond what we could imagine.

Think of the widow in 1 Kings 17:8–16. She has nothing left but a handful of flour and a little oil, but she still said “yes.” It is in that simple act of faith, God turned her lack into abundance—not just for her household, but for His kingdom. Her story reminds us that obedience moves the heart of God—but it doesn’t end there.

Then there are seasons when everything seems to be “going right”—when we’re standing in abundance—and even then, God calls us to give. This time, it’s not out of our lack, but out of the overflow of what He’s provided. It is in these moments, He invites us to steward the blessings He’s entrusted to us. True stewardship means: pausing to seek His heart in every circumstance, asking, “Lord, how can You use me—my gifts, my resources, and what You’ve placed in my hands—for Your Kingdom?”

Sometimes, that call still feels risky. We may wonder, “If I give this, what if I never get it back?” But God never asks us to give so that we’ll be left in lack—He multiplies what we surrender, often beyond what we can imagine, for His glory and His Kingdom.

This simple act of obedience reminds me of an image of a little girl holding three small flowers, holding them tightly as if to protect them. Jesus is standing in front of her and gently asks her to trust Him with what she’s holding, but she hesitates, not realizing that behind His back He’s holding a huge bouquet with more flowers—ready to bless her abundantly and use her simple gift to bless others too.

Paul echoes this same message in 2 Corinthians 9:7, reminding us that each of us should give from a willing and joyful heart, not out of guilt or obligation. True generosity flows from trust—the kind that says, “God, I believe You’ll provide, even when I can’t see how.”

Maybe today, God is inviting you to open your hands a little wider—to trust Him with something you’ve been holding close, whether it’s your plans, your resources, or even your comfort. Surrender is never lost in His Kingdom; it’s the doorway to deeper freedom, greater faith, and unexpected joy. So take a moment and ask Him softly: “God, what are You asking me to surrender today?” Whatever He is calling you to release, dare to loosen your grip. The moment we choose to give —whether in lack or in plenty—we step into the fullness of His purpose. And it’s there, in that place of trust, that we begin to see His goodness unfold, His faithfulness surround us, and His peace settle deep within our hearts.