Test Me
Malachi 3:10 There’s only one place in the Bible where God invites His people to test Him—not with skepticism, but with trust. In Malachi 3:10, God challenges Israel to prove His faithfulness by bringing their full tithe into the storehouse: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith, saith the […]
There’s only one place in the Bible where God invites His people to test Him—not with skepticism, but with trust. In Malachi 3:10, God challenges Israel to prove His faithfulness by bringing their full tithe into the storehouse:
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
This is more than a financial formula. It’s an invitation into a life of faith-filled generosity, one that continues to echo throughout the New Testament. It is the overflow of hearts that trust God’s goodness and desire His glory.
1️⃣ God’s Challenge: Bring the Whole Tithe
In Malachi’s day, the people were withholding their tithes. They gave God the leftovers, not the firstfruits. But God doesn’t want a portion—He wants our hearts. And our giving reveals what we treasure most.
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse…” (Malachi 3:10)
Giving isn’t God trying to take from us—it’s God trying to bless us through surrendered stewardship.
💡 Principle:
Giving is not about funding God’s needs—it’s about forming our trust.
2️⃣ God’s Promise: I Will Open the Windows of Heaven
“Prove Me… if I will not open the windows of heaven.”
What a promise! This is not a vending-machine gospel—but it is a real spiritual principle: When we give by faith, God responds with grace.
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you… good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…”
Proverbs 3:9–10 – “Honor the Lord with your substance… and your barns will be filled…”
God doesn’t promise luxury—but He promises sufficiency, joy, and the overflow of contentment.
3️⃣ New Testament Giving: Beyond the Tithe
Jesus never abolished the tithe—but He elevated the conversation. In the New Testament, giving becomes less about law and more about love. Less about percentages and more about proportion, purpose, and posture.
Here are key New Testament principles for giving:
💗 1. Give Willingly
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity…”
Giving should never feel like guilt—it should be a glad act of grace.
🎉 2. Give Cheerfully
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “For God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Literally, a hilarious giver! Heaven rejoices over open hands and joyful hearts.
📏 3. Give Proportionally
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper…”
The more God prospers us, the more generous we become—not out of pressure, but privilege.
🎯 4. Give Intentionally
2 Corinthians 8:11 – “Now perform the doing of it…”
Generous intentions must become generous action. Plan your giving. Prioritize the Kingdom.
🛐 5. Give Sacrificially
Mark 12:43–44 – The poor widow gave two coins, “all she had.”
God doesn’t measure our giving by how much we give—but by how much we trust Him with what remains.
🌍 6. Give for the Gospel
Philippians 4:15–17 – Paul commends the church for their support of his missionary work—not for his gain, but for theirs.
Giving fuels mission. It multiplies ministry. It spreads the name of Jesus.
📖 Scriptures That Confirm These Principles
- Malachi 3:10 – “Prove Me… I will pour out a blessing.”
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 – “He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly…”
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “Set something aside as God has prospered you.”
- Philippians 4:19 – “My God shall supply all your needs…”
- Mark 12:43–44 – “She gave all she had.”
🧭 Final Reflection: Test Him Today
God is not afraid of your test—He welcomes it. Because He knows what happens when people give out of faith and freedom:
- Hearts are unlocked.
- Windows are opened.
- Mission is multiplied.
He doesn’t want your money. He wants your trust. And when He gets your trust, He often gives back more than you could ever contain.
So take Him at His Word. Bring your best. Trust His promise. Watch the windows open.
Test Me, He says.
He’s never failed one yet.
