Trusting in God’s Guidance: A Faithful Approach to Fundraising
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
—Proverbs 3:5-6
As we engage in the important work of support raising, we are reminded through Proverbs 3:5-6 that it is not merely a practical or financial task but a deeply spiritual one. Trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance allows us to rely on His direction as we navigate the complexities of fundraising.
Understanding Proverbs 3:5-6
The call to "trust in the Lord with all your heart" challenges us to place our full faith and confidence in God—His character, promises, and ability to lead us through each step. When we give our whole selves—our emotions, intellect, and will—we are invited into a deeper, wholehearted devotion. It is not about relying on partial faith but committing entirely to God.
The second part of the verse warns against "leaning on your own understanding." As humans, it is natural for us to try and make sense of things using our logic and reasoning. However, God calls us to recognize that His wisdom surpasses ours. Especially when it comes to support raising, the temptation to rely solely on our strategies, timing, and understanding can be strong. But here, we are reminded to seek His will in all that we do, acknowledging God’s presence and authority in every area of life.
How This Relates to Support Raising
Support raising, though often seen as a task of asking for money, is far more—it is a spiritual discipline. It is an opportunity for us to lean on God, trusting that He has already planned the path we should walk.
Trusting God's Guidance in Fundraising:
Fundraising can be a complex process, involving strategies, relationships, and timing. Acknowledging the complexity helps us approach it with honesty and humility, bringing our needs and anxieties before God and seeking support from others. The complexity reminds us that we do not have all the answers, but God does. His understanding is greater, and He invites us to seek His guidance at every turn.Surrendering Our Plans:
In the world of support raising, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to control the outcome. But this journey requires us to surrender our plans to God’s will. Scripture reminds us that God’s will is not just for us to accomplish tasks but to be sanctified in the process. His timing, though often different from our own, is perfect. As we surrender our plans to Him, we recognize that every season—whether of waiting or of growth—is part of His perfect plan for our lives and ministries.Experiencing God’s Guidance:
When we trust God’s guidance, we experience transformation. This transformation shapes how we approach fundraising and the supporters we meet. Instead of approaching with fear or anxiety, we are empowered to approach in faith, seeing every conversation as an opportunity. This process not only makes us more like Christ but also equips us with the wisdom to navigate the fundraising journey.
Personal Application
In my own life, there are days where anxiety about support raising takes over. But often, this anxiety stems from my failure to trust that God is my loving Father who cares for me. As I repent and surrender my fears to Him, I am reminded of His faithfulness. God gives me wisdom on how to approach partners with confidence, seeing it as an opportunity to involve others in the Kingdom work He has called me to.
When we truly trust in God’s guidance, we are released from the burden of figuring everything out on our own. Instead, we can confidently move forward, knowing that God is leading us every step of the way.
Discussion Questions:
How can you apply this teaching to your personal approach to fundraising this week?
How can you actively seek God's will in all areas of your work?
What steps can you take to cultivate a closer relationship with God?
How does experiencing God’s guidance in fundraising transform your goals and approach?
By reflecting on these questions and committing to trust God in our work, we not only grow in our faith but also discover the joy and peace that come from knowing He is guiding our every step.
