Give What You Got

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you (Deuteronomy 16:17, ESV).

I stole the title of today’s devotion from Kristi McLelland. While I’m sure she isn’t the first person to ever use the phrase, she quotes it often in her Bible studies, and it feels appropriate for me this morning. Maybe it will ring true for you today, too.

I’ve recently started a 40 day prayer journey, I’ve been invited to join a couple of small group Bible studies to start the New Year, and I’m genuinely excited about what the Lord is going to do in 2026. 

That being said, as I rose from the bed this morning I found myself feeling a bit uninspired in terms of writing. That’s when this phrase, “give what you got” hit me. Even when we don’t feel like we have a lot to give, we can choose to show up, and thank the Lord that He always provides. Let’s make the choice today to remember what was recorded in Deuteronomy 16:17:

“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.”

Maybe you’re a business professional and you have the opportunity daily to impact lives around you through the fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

Maybe you’re in the throes of motherhood, at home with young children, and giving what you got looks survival when it comes to making sure their physical and emotional needs are met. 

Maybe you’re retired, and you spend your days working out at the Y, visiting grandchildren, or traveling. God wants you to give what you got in those spaces, too. 

I get the opportunity to work with folks who are struggling to do the things they’ve always loved to do. Sometimes giving what I’ve got is being compassionate, and doing the best I can to walk with them in their pain while helping them move forward to a place of healing. 

I want to pose a couple of questions for us to ponder as we continue our march into 2026: 

What would it look like for you to give what you’ve got? 

What would it look like for a group of Jesus followers to come together, and give what they’ve got to make an impact for the Kingdom of God?

Wherever you find yourself today, be reminded that the Lord has given you unique gifts to share with others. May we all choose to give what we’ve got today, and know that no matter what that looks like, God will honor it, and the Kingdom will be better for it.