Scriptures: Exodus 35, Malachi 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Romans 11:36, Luke 6:38, James 1:17, Deuteronomy 8:18

God does not need our money or materials. Since creation, though, He has chosen to use the resources He has entrusted to us to further His will and His plans on earth. He chooses to rely on our obedience to His Word as we give to and through His church. Which raises the question, "Why me, Lord?" In this message, Dr. Merritt talks about giving as a test. As it tests our faith in God it also tests God's faithfulness toward us.

Please note: This message was originally preached at the climax of a stewardship campaign and included a time of giving as a part of the worship service. The message is about 20-minutes in lenth--a little shorter than one of Dr. Merritt's typical messages--to allow for a time of stewardship demonstration as a part of the worship service.

"Did you know that God will never ask you to give anything unless He is willing to give it through you? Every time you have an opportunity to give, God is putting your faith to the test. But you are putting his faithfulness to the test and God never flunks a test." --Dr. Merritt

Keywords: giving, stewardship, faithfulness, boomerang, contribution, opportunity, thankful, joyful, miserable, miser, unhappy, hilarious, generous, bills, believe, precious, hesitate