2 Corinthians 8:1–5
8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and atheir deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency 1that we would receive the gift and bthe fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first cgave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the dwill of God.
The churches of Macedonia gave “in a great trial of affliction” … “their deep poverty abounded.” However an often overlooked message is found in verse 5: “they first gave themselves to the Lord” … “and then” … When we “first” give ourselves to the Lord, stand in awe as the Holy Spirit works in and through you, accomplishing more than you ever imagined possible.