“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)

Thanksgiving was wonderful, and the leftovers are scrumptious. I hope your Thanksgiving was blessed and full of joy.

Our refrigerator is stocked with bowls and containers, pies and desserts. Right now, the Hobbs children are loving all those leftovers. They keep going back for more food, and they won’t stop until every morsel of what remains is gone.

I am aware that some people don’t like leftovers as much. They grow tired of eating the same things after about a day or two. Not us. Macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, cabbage, honey-glazed ham, and sweet potato pie, never get old in our house. Come to think of it, perhaps the novelty doesn’t wear off as quickly for us because these dishes are only a part of our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. For the rest of the year, we don’t eat this way. That’s why we savor the soul food while it’s here. At the moment, we have so much food left, we have enough for us and plenty to share with others.

That’s what abundance look like, right?

The good news is, abundance isn’t reserved for Thanksgiving leftovers. Abundance is exactly what God is able to grant each of us on our journey of faith. In 2 Corinthians 9:8, our featured verse, Paul was sharing a biblical principle which just so happens to be the key to unlocking overflow in your life. He taught the church that when a person sows generously into God’s Kingdom, they also reap abundantly. Give and it will be given (Luke 6:38).

The early church was very liberal in their giving because they wanted to see the work of the ministry go forth. Because of their generosity, Paul was reminding them that their investment was not in vain. God would reward them with a great harvest.

Friend, if you show me a fruitful person, I will show you a generous person. The greater the seed, the greater the harvest it brings forth. If you have sown seeds into God’s Kingdom in any way—and this goes beyond money— it is not in vain. It will yield a harvest.

What kind of seeds have you planted? Maybe you have interceded for others; given your time to a good cause; lent your talents to help someone; mentored a person in need of guidance; or provided a shoulder for someone to lean on. Whatever you have done for Christ out of a pure heart, it will be rewarded.

Even though you didn’t necessarily do it to get something in return, you will receive nonetheless. This is a biblical principle, so look for blessings. Expect divine benefits and favor. What you have sown will be returned to you in greater measure. As the old saying goes, “You can’t beat God giving, no matter how hard you try.”

If you’ve been doing good things, keep it up. The Lord is going to bless you real good, and you will personally attest to the truth of Proverbs 11:25 NIV: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Now, let’s pray.

God, thank You for the assurance that the seeds I have sown will yield a harvest in even greater measure than what I sowed. Please show me ways to be even more generous because I want to use my life to serve You. After all, it is least I can do for all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get more inspiration from Dianna Hobbs weekdays, Monday through Friday, right here on Your Daily Cup of Inspiration. Be sure to catch up on encouragement that you missed, and if you need prayer, don’t hesitate to ask for it here. The ministry team is standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to intercede. Until next time, stay encouraged.