Recently I’ve been convicted in my tithe efforts. First came a message from Rob Morris, who pastors Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. He stirred my heart when the great debate between tithing on gross or net was summed up in this statement: I’d rather be blessed based on the gross, rather than my net. I realized that I had been giving to God what was left over after the government and insurance had their say; my heart was saddened. Though my intentions were good, I didn’t act on this conviction.

A second message that gripped my conscience was by Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv in Oklahoma City. He and his wife increase their giving each year by 1 percent, regardless of a pay raise or circumstance. Groeschel said they were in the habit of giving this way before any big increases came in their family or ministries.

Tithing doesn’t just increase God’s blessing in my life, it increases my faith in His provision. It stretches me wider and deeper, and I begin to experience an even more intimate relationship with my Abba. So I decided to take that step. I made a commitment to increase my level of giving each year from here on out by 1 percent. And I chose to start tithing on my gross income, throwing in the first increase that very day (which was last Sunday). I felt remarkably better knowing it was off my chest and in God’s hands.

Tough days followed and I forgot about my commitment in church, that is, until my accountant emailed the final summary. As a single adult, I always pay in, so I was not looking forward to filing, like most people I know. This time was different though, as it reflected the government was returning to me 10 times what I gave to God just a couple days before. It was in this moment that I knew my Provider was honoring that faith on Sunday and saying ‘well done, my good and faithful servant’.

I don’t always see the fruit of my faith honored/blessed/returned with rapid response, but when I do, I am eager to give God Almighty the glory by encouraging others with stories of His hand at work. Our God is real, alive and moving mightly today, just like yesterday and just like He will be tomorrow! May you find His hand of extravagant provision in your life, as you put Him first in your giving and in all you do.