When we think of wealth, we often picture money in our hands. But according to Scripture, it starts with something deeper — the ability to get it.
God doesn’t promise us wealth without work. He gives us the ability, the ideas, the insight, the wisdom — but we must act. If we don’t activate the gift, we won’t see the fruit.
We often pray for provision, but sometimes the answer isn’t more money — it’s the activation of a gift.
David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, is a modern-day example of this principle. In his book Leadership Not by the Book, he shares how he started with a $600 loan and a gift for making picture frames. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t massive. But it was his gift — and he used it.
From that small act of obedience, a multi-billion-dollar business was born. But even with great success, David Green has remained clear about one thing:
“It’s not my business; it’s God’s. I just happen to be the steward.” David Green
He didn’t wait for God to drop money out of the sky — he started. He created something with the gift God gave him, and the rest followed.
That’s the promise of Deuteronomy 8:18. God gives the ability — but the activation is on us.
“But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…” Deuteronomy 8:18 (NKJV)
What’s In Your Hands?
It’s often easier to deny what’s in our own hands and go work for someone else who’s already in activation mode.
Why? Because activating your own gift takes faith. It requires responsibility. It stretches your trust.
So instead of building what God placed in us, we settle for helping someone else build theirs — hoping to get a piece of the wealth, when we were created to produce it ourselves.
There’s nothing wrong with working for others — but if it becomes a lifelong escape from obedience, it’s not stewardship. It’s surrendering the seed to fear.
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings…” — Proverbs 22:29
God asked Moses a question that still echoes today:
“What is that in your hand?” — Exodus 4:2
It’s the question that calls us to stop hiding and start releasing.
Don’t expect God to multiply what you are afraid to release.
What He placed inside you is not meant to stay buried. It must be offered. Released. Poured out.
God gave you the seed — but multiplication begins when you give it back.
Just like the oil in the widow’s jar, it didn’t multiply while she held it. It multiplied as she poured.
Until you give what’s in you — until you release it into the hands of others — don’t expect it to multiply.
The Oil Multiplied as She Poured
2 Kings 4:1–7
When a widow cried out to Elisha for help, all she had was a small jar of oil. He told her to borrow jars, go inside, and pour. And she did — in obedience.
“When all the jars were full… the oil stopped flowing.”
— 2 Kings 4:6 (NIV)
The oil didn’t multiply while she stored it.
It multiplied as she poured it out.
What if your next increase is waiting on your next act of obedience?
5 Examples of Gifts That Produced
These gifts often feel “too ordinary” to be valuable — but when surrendered to God, they can unlock both provision and purpose.
1. Writing
Priscilla Shirer turned her love for storytelling and teaching into a global platform — writing books, Bible studies, and devotionals that have sold in the millions. She didn’t chase fame — she obeyed God with her pen.
Your message can be both a ministry and a stream of income. Sometimes the very thing God is prompting you to do feels uncomfortable, costly, or even unnecessary—until you realize He’s not just developing content, He’s developing you.
I recently completed my second book, and though it wasn’t my first, it was the hardest one I’ve ever written to date. Not because of the subject—but because I was living it as I was writing it. The book focused on listening to God and surrendering fully in life. Each chapter mirrored my personal journey of learning to yield, obey, and trust Him with the parts I wanted to control.
Special Note: Priscilla Shirer didn’t initially want to write books either. But her willingness to follow God’s prompting led to open doors she never imagined. The same can be true for you.
Your obedience may not only bless others—it may also be the very thing God uses to release provision, purpose, and impact in your life.
2. Organizing
Toni Hammersley, a Christian mom who shared her organizing tips on a blog, turned it into a best-selling book and a multi-platform brand. It started with what came naturally to her.
What brings you peace could solve someone else’s chaos.
3. Teaching
Rachel Cruze used her teaching gift to help young adults handle money God’s way. Today, she’s a best-selling author, speaker, and financial coach — empowering others with wisdom rooted in biblical stewardship.
What you know can become what you teach — and what you teach can build legacy.
4. Encouragement
Sadie Robertson Huff built a movement through bold encouragement. Her podcasts, books, and live events have become ministry tools — and multiple income streams — all from her gift of speaking life.
Hope is in high demand. Your voice might be the solution to someone’s prayer.
5. Craft or Creation
Altar’d State began with two Christian creatives who wanted to reflect their faith through design. It’s now a multi-million dollar retail chain — because they dared to believe God could bless what they made with their hands.
That “side thing” you make could be the main thing God uses. Don’t neglect those simple things that you enjoy. There may be a hidden gift you possess that’s been lying dormant.
Stewardship, Not Ownership
We didn’t come into this world with anything — and we won’t take anything with us when we leave.
Everyone enters the world the same way: naked, needy, and entirely dependent. One day, we’ll return to the dust — no titles, no possessions, no applause.
The only thing that goes before us is what we’ve invested in eternity.
That’s why stewardship matters. Every gift God places in your hands isn’t just for your enjoyment —It’s an opportunity for lasting impact.
We are not owners — we are managers of the God’s resources and how we steward matters. to Him. He will equip us to be good stewards when we remember to ask for his help in every area.
Reflection Questions:
• What gift have I minimized or dismissed because it feels too small?
• Have I been asking God for increase without activating the ability He’s already given me?
• What small, consistent step can I take this week to use what’s in my hand?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for giving me the power to get wealth — not so I can boast, but so I can build. Help me to see the gifts You’ve placed in me. Forgive me for the times I’ve buried them in fear or doubt. I choose today to activate what You’ve given me — for Your glory and for the good of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If this message spoke to you, I encourage you to go back and read last week’s post:
Eternal Rewards: The True Value of Generosity.
It’s a reminder that while we can’t take anything with us, we can send something ahead — by giving generously, and faithfully stewarding the life God has entrusted to us.
Build with Eternity in view!