by Marilynn Chadwick

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25 NIV

I love surprises. It's fun to stumble upon an unanticipated blessing. A sudden bend in the road, a departure from routine, or a change of pace. My kids were well aware of my love for surprises. They used to tease me about "Mom's adventures" and my fascination with back roads and byways. "One day that woman is going to get herself killed," laughed my youngest to the other two, as I steered the car off the main road one day to explore yet another inviting rabbit trail.

Throughout many years of following Jesus, I am continually surprised to bump into what I like to call "God's odd economy." It is surprising to discover that we truly find our life when we give it away. Proverbs 11:25 promises that when we are generous to others, we will be refreshed. Here's the same verse paraphrased in The Living Bible.

"It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself."

Following Jesus is sure to surprise you. He asks us to serve but also to rest. "Come to me all you who labor and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest…" (Matthew 11:28). Instead of laying more pressure on our shoulders, Jesus promises us tasks well suited to the way he made us. Instead of bondage, we'll find freedom. This comes as a surprise to many religious people who have thought God calls us to live a life of exhaustion.

But just when we're beginning to like the idea of resting as one of his "sheep" and hanging out with some pretty good "sheep brothers and sisters," he jolts us with this challenge: You'll only find true rest for your soul when you are willing to lose this soul of yours… You'll only find real life when you are "willing to give your life away" (Matthew 16:25).

There it is again. God's odd economy. I like the way Isaiah 58:10 puts it: "If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."

It's like Jesus told us. We find life as we give it away.

I'll leave you with this question: Is there somewhere you can say "yes" to God right where you are today?

As mentioned in today's podcast, for more information on City of Hope click here. Join City of Hope for volunteer opportunities that allow you to participate in one-time events or short-term projects, serve alongside others while building community, and get to know and support your neighbors in need. No matter your schedule, you can make an impact.