Isaiah 60:17 [NIV] ‘Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler.’

DAILY READING; Mark 1:21-45; 2 Samuel 3:2-39; Daniel 2:1-23

The Napoleonic Wars were a clash of European powers fighting for dominance over the European continent in the early 19th century.
One of the countries that fought in these wars was Prussia. But it proved to be a costly venture for Prussia as it led to one of the most difficult periods in its history.
King Frederick William III who ruled Prussia during this time, found himself in great trouble because after the wars he needed to rebuild their nation but there was hardly any money left in their treasury.
After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia to bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country. For each ornament received, he would exchange a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed, “I gave gold for iron, 18l3.”
The response to his proposal was overwhelming. After these women gave their gold, they prized their gifts from the king more highly than their former jewelry. For the sake of their nation and their king these women were more than willing to sacrifice what they had.

In Exodus 35:4-35, when Moses called for offerings from willing hearts for the building of the tabernacle, the response was overwhelming.
Willing, men and women brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments to present for the building. [Exodus 35:26]
God was impressed with their willingness in giving and blessed them in return.
When we give towards the advancement of God’s kingdom, it is important that we offer it with a willing heart.
Why sometimes people do not receive the harvest of their giving is because it was done grudgingly or out of necessity or under pressure.
It is only when we are willing and obedient that we will eat the good of the land.
If you don’t understand the reason for sacrifice, it can be a burden or struggle. But we have to understand that giving is part of the test of our submission and proof of the sincerity of our love. We cannot love God without giving to Him.
The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 2:7) and He will always give back far better than what we laid down in sacrifice.
When the women gave their gold, the King of Prussia gave them iron in return. But in Isaiah 60:17, God promises ‘Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones.’
Indeed nobody gives an acceptable sacrifice to God without receiving manifold returns.
Sacrifice may not be easy, but it is the key that unlocks the gates of blessings. It is one of the secrets of enjoying open Heavens. If you are facing a long-standing challenge, sacrifice may be the answer to it.
Our tearful seeds produce fearful blessings which are often beyond what can be explained by the human mind.
Our sacrifice becomes acceptable when we first give ourselves to God by deciding to obey His Word and live for His purpose.
Then as we sow towards the advancement of His kingdom, it will become the gateway to our desired new dawn, breakthroughs and glorious new beginnings.

PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the grace for willingness and speedy obedience to Your instructions, so that I can experience my supernatural harvest of blessings in Jesus Name.

QUOTE;
To get into the next level of your life, God will always give a specific instruction. – WORDBITE 222