The trial exposed their true colors.

Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.

This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives. 

– 2 Corinthians 8:2-8

 

On days when the mountain seems impossible to climb, and the load seems to ever increase, to know that it IS possible to finish. To see there IS purpose in all of this. But first, give yourself unreservedly to the Lord, and the rest will flow. It has been done before, it will be done. For He does it. And His grace overflows toward us.