In these trying times, do you find yourself trusting in the gifts or the Giver? The former operates from fear, the latter through faith. The writers of the Scriptures commended Adam and Eve’s son, Abel, for his faith in his Heavenly Father. We can still learn from his example.

Faith offers the best; fear offers the rest: “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did” (Hebrews 11:4a). This is the only place in the Bible that reveals God’s reason for approving Abel’s offering over his brother Cain’s: It was the result of faith. Abel was a shepherd who brought the strongest of his flocks to the Lord, while Cain, who worked the ground, brought some of his leftovers. God looked favorably on Abel and his offering, but not on Cain who became very angry and depressed (see Genesis 4:2-5). When we offer less than our best to advancing God’s Kingdom, we fall short of His generous design for our lives, and we become discouraged. Whereas, Cain was selfish and afraid of giving the choicest part of his wealth, Abel reflected the heart of God who would offer His very best in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Have you been offering your best or the rest to God? Do you surrender your time, talent, and treasure each day to Him in your career, or do you stagger into a church service on Sunday, slouch in the pew, and offer only what you have left in the tank from your stressful week? The answer reveals whether you trust in your gifts or the Giver.

Draw a line in the sand, put a stake in the ground, and create a plan to offer your best to God. Begin by connecting with three people: someone to teach you, a mutual walk partner to grow with you, and someone you will disciple. In all three relationships, read the Bible, pray, and take steps to apply your trust in the Giver to your calendar. God will take your faith-journey to new, exhilarating destinations as you offer your best to Him.

Episode 447: Faithfully Fitted with Jay Chapman from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.