Sermon Replay | Blessed to Bless

This powerful message invites us to examine what happens when we stop trying to control every aspect of our lives and finally release our grip on the levers we've been pulling. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, we're challenged with a profound truth: we cannot fully trust God while simultaneously micromanaging our circumstances. Like the Wizard of Oz hiding behind curtains of smoke and mirrors, many of us present a strong faith externally while secretly maintaining control behind the scenes. The sermon uses the beautiful metaphor of a farmer sowing seed—reminding us that our only job is to plant, not to control the rain, the sun, or the harvest. God is calling us to live with open hands rather than clenched fists. The seed packets distributed during service become tangible reminders that seeds do nothing in our hands; they only become a harvest when released into the ground. This isn't just about financial giving—it's about releasing our time, gifts, relationships, and future to God's care. When we finally let go of what we've been desperately holding onto, we create space for God to produce genuine overflow in our lives. The difference between spillage and overflow is profound: spillage happens when we overfill our lives trying to control everything, but overflow occurs when God raises us up and blesses us so abundantly that we cannot help but bless others. We're challenged to move from reluctant, obligated giving to cheerful, hilarious generosity that flows from grateful hearts remembering all God has done.