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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 115

"For if there is first a willing mind..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:12

HOW PROJECTS CAN BE COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY

Paul had lots of experience in concluding projects successfully. He shares his thoughts here.

“For if there is first a willing mind,
it is accepted according to what one has,
and not according to what one does not have.”
2 Corinthians 8:12

1. “For if there is first a willing mind”

a) This must be determined at the outset.
b) Features of “a willing mind”
i) A willingness
ii) A readiness
iii) An eagerness
iv) Zeal
c) If these features are there and established, then any project would be successfully carried out.

2. How would God view the projects we embark on?

a) It is accepted according to what one has.
i) This is an important principle that must be understood well.
ii) Our projects are based on what we have.
iii) We give of what we have.
iv) It may not be much, but it would still be accepted.
b) And not according to what we do not have.
i) We do not need to give beyond what we have.
ii) God understands our limitations.
iii) He does not expect us to give beyond our capability.

3. The example of the Macedonian church in perspective

a) Their example was unique.
b) But this is not what God expects from everyone.
c) We may not be able to be as outstanding as the Macedonian Churches, but we would still be accepted by the Lord.

4. No demands on the believer

a) Paul did not want the Corinthians to feel that they must be exactly like the Macedonians!
b) But he does expect them to complete what they had begun when it was within their capacity to do so!