💰 Test Me in This
A SOAP Reflection on Malachi 3:10
S — Scripture
Malachi 3:10 (NLT)
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
O — Observation
In this passage, God confronts Israel for withholding what belonged to Him. The people were neglecting their tithes, and as a result, the temple lacked provision. The “storehouse” referred to the temple treasury where offerings were kept to sustain the priests and care for the community.
God makes an astonishing declaration:
“Test Me.”
This is one of the only places in Scripture where God explicitly invites His people to test His faithfulness.
He promises:
- Open windows of heaven
- Overflowing blessing
- Provision beyond capacity
The issue is not merely money.
The issue is trust.
The people were holding back because they feared lack.
God was calling them to radical obedience and dependence.
The blessing promised was not a prosperity gimmick. It was covenant faithfulness. When the people trusted God first, He would take care of the rest.
A — Application
This verse confronts my heart.
Do I give from surplus — or from trust?
Do I tithe as an obligation — or as worship?
Do I believe God can sustain me better than I can sustain myself?
God is not after my wallet.
He is after my faith.
Tithing is a declaration:
- God is my provider.
- God owns everything.
- I trust Him more than I trust money.
Giving first requires faith.
Holding back reveals fear.
When I trust Him with the first portion, I position myself under His provision. That doesn’t mean every blessing is financial. Sometimes the “windows of heaven” look like peace, protection, favor, wisdom, or unexpected provision in other ways.
Obedience precedes overflow.
God says, “Put Me to the test.”
He is inviting bold faith.
P — Prayer
Lord,
You are my Provider. Everything I have belongs to You.
Forgive me for the times I have trusted money more than I have trusted You. Remove fear from my heart and replace it with faith. Help me give freely, joyfully, and consistently.
Teach me to honor You with my first and best, not my leftovers. Open my eyes to the ways You bless beyond finances — through peace, stability, protection, and spiritual growth.
I trust You.
I choose obedience.
And I place my provision in Your hands.
Amen.