Day Fifteen

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. - Luke 8:1–3

God Honors Quiet Faithfulness. As Jesus traveled from town to town proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, He was not alone. Luke tells us that the Twelve were with Him, and so were women. In a time when women were rarely recorded, Luke names them: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and many others.  These beautiful names would be carried in Scripture across time as melodies in the symphony of living faith. Luke describes them as those who had been healed of afflictions and illnesses. They were not untouched by suffering or protected from hardship. These were women who had known pain and restoration. And out of that healing, they gave.

The generosity of Jesus was revolutionary.  He wasn’t taking His cues from culture in choosing His companions.  He selected the rejected.  He chose the outcasts.  Those who followed Him gave up their lives for the sake of those they’d never meet. They were walking behind Jesus, funding the ministry that would change the world. Their generosity created space for the gospel to move forward. God still sees offerings given without recognition. He still records obedience motivated by love, rather than applause.

Faith Is Formed Before It Is Seen. This kind of faith echoes across generations. Paul reminds Timothy that his faith did not begin with him. It lived first in his grandmother Lois and then in his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Before Timothy preached or led, generous faith was poured into the daily rhythms of his home. Meals were prepared. Prayers whispered. Scripture was spoken until it took root.

What You Give Travels Further Than You Imagine. The women of Luke 8 did not know their generosity would be recorded and read centuries later. Lois and Eunice did not know their names would circle the globe. They simply gave what they had. The love of God multiplied their efforts in such a way that we are compelled to do what they did.

Generosity is rarely loud. It often hides in ordinary days. Faith given faithfully never stays contained. It travels. It lasts. Where might God be inviting you to practice quiet generosity that no one else may notice? How is your faith shaping the lives of those who walk behind you today?

Lord, help me to give faithfully from what You have entrusted to me, trusting that You will multiply every offering given in love.

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