A Tithe Testament

¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15 (New International Version, ©2011)

I have been reassured, and it is not a false promise. Last week's emergency would have left me ranting until now if I have not put my faith in Him.

Five years ago I had a different notion about tithing. I considered it as a church's "cover-up" just to get money. Yes, that's how evil I was, but I was proven wrong, very wrong.

Going back to God was my greatest turning point. I had my greatest realization; I was incredibly changed.

03.31.2011, within that day -- actually approximately within 8 hours -- we had to urgently raise a big amount of money (apologies but I am not giving details to maintain some privacy). After getting that emergancy call, I had to struggle over all sorts of thoughts and emotions, to the point of thinking halo-halo would help. There were sadness, anger, blaming, questioning and even a feeling of excitement to a new life challenge -- it was crazy. While at that moment I became a worrier, for some reason, there was calmness overall. If I were the same person, I would have felt hopeless.

And so after giving my share, I had to look for options to somehow manage my finances. I had the best way to do so -- I prayed. I was asking Him for a miracle and He gave me one. My friend reminded me that I had a commission for recommending her to my broker and so I inquired. I was not expecting much, but I did get a good amount. It may not be enough to cover everything, but it was the start.

This was not the only moment that I felt rescued and blessed. When I started to tithe, God gave me a lot of financial breakthroughs -- from promotion almost every year to being able to puchase a condo unit. On top of it all, blessings were very unexpected. I was just happy to worship Him in any way I could.

That day was a simple testament that God indeed works His hands to those who would lift up everything to Him.

Mid-day sleeping has always been an issue to me ever since I was assigned to graveyard shift. Nevertheless, despite the situation, I was still able to sleep well that day. It was because I was very confident that He'll answer.