Day 19 - 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2026

Day 19: Tithing = Faith

Scripture Focus:
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe," says the Lord Almighty. — Malachi 3:10-11

In the rhythm of our daily lives, we often find ourselves gripping our resources tightly, fearing there won’t be enough for the "what-ifs" of tomorrow. Yet, God offers a radical alternative through the tithe. To "tithe" literally means a "tenth." It is the practice of setting aside the first 10% of our income as an offering to God. It isn't about giving God what is "left over" after the bills are paid; it is about giving Him our first and our best.

Tithing is a physical expression of a spiritual reality. It is an act of faith that anchors our hearts in three specific attributes of God:

1. Faith in God’s Promise
Malachi 3:10 contains the only instance in the Bible where God invites us to "test" Him. He makes a staggering promise: to throw open the "floodgates of heaven." When we tithe, we are acting on the belief that God is a promise-keeper. We are choosing to believe that 90% of our income managed under His grace is far more powerful than 100% managed by our own strength.

2. Faith in God’s Provision
By tithing our "firstfruits," we acknowledge that God is the Source of everything we have. It shifts our focus from the paycheck to the Provider. This discipline reminds us daily that we do not serve a God of scarcity, but a God of abundance. When we release the first 10%, we are declaring that we trust Him to provide for our needs, just as He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

3. Faith in God’s Protection
The promise in verse 11 is profound: "I will prevent pests from devouring your crops." In our modern context, this is God’s assurance of protection over our lives and resources. Tithing invites God’s sovereignty into our financial house. It is an act of faith that trusts Him to rebuke the "devourer" and to sustain the work of our hands so that our "vines" do not drop their fruit prematurely.

Practical Steps to Develop a Practice of Tithing
If you want to move from a place of sporadic giving to a consistent practice of tithing, consider these practical steps:

• Look into Your Heart and at Your Numbers: Look at your recent income and calculate what 10% actually is. Pray over that number, acknowledging that it already belongs to God.
• Prioritize the "First": Instead of tithing at the end of the month, make it the very first "bill" you pay. Many people use online giving platforms provided by their local church to automate their tithe so it happens the moment their paycheck arrives.
• Start Where You Are: If 10% feels impossible today, start with a "percentage goal" (like 3% or 5%) and commit to increasing it by 1% every few months until you reach the full tithe.
• Use a Budgeting Tool: Use resources like the EveryDollar Budgeting App to give every dollar a name. This helps you see where your money is going and ensures your tithe is protected from "accidental" spending.
• Keep a "Blessing Journal": As you begin to "test" God in this, write down the ways He provides—whether through unexpected checks, items lasting longer than they should, or peace of mind. Witnessing His faithfulness will fuel your future generosity.

Reflect: Tithing is not God wanting something from you; it is God wanting something for you. Will you take Him at His Word today?

Father, help me to have faith in your promise. You are my provider and my protector. Help me to put action to this belief by putting my finances in your hands. Help me to trust you! You will take care of me! Thank you for your blessings! Amen.