It is a mathematical truth, known even to children, that when you take from a finite supply, it will eventually run out. When Mary who has 10 apples gives an apple away a day, at the end she will no apples left.

I realise I sometimes see serving God like the mathematics of Mary’s declining apple count. That I have time, strength, money … and when I use them even to the Lord, like Mary’s apples, how much I have will steadily decrease to a 0.

There is some wisdom to be had here. We are limited, and life is busy. Time and energy management are crucial to live a holy life dedicated to our holy God.

But in all this planning and doing, it would be a pity to forget the mathematics of grace.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Cor 9:8)

When you felt that you didn’t have enough to serve God or do good, did you think to pray and seek His ever-sufficient grace?

I recall someone bearing witness about a deacon who never turned down church work, no matter how busy he was. When asked how he did it, his answer: prayer. He served God fuelled by God’s power, wisdom and strength.

God has already prepared good works for us to do in our one short life (Eph 2:10). As a faithful God, He certainly will give us enough of what we need. And not just to barely get by, either, but to have a lavish supply for each of this good work.

In case we are not yet convinced, Paul goes on to remind us that God is the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread—or rice, if you prefer—for food. If God can do this, then He too can enrich us in every way to be generous, from wisdom in how to serve to a better understanding of the Bible (2 Cor 9:10-11; Jas 1:5; John 16:13).

Carrying with this truth into our service, it becomes much easier to serve with a glad and willing heart.