The Power of a Generous Heart

Life often presents us with crossroads where we must decide what truly matters and where our allegiance lies. For those of us walking the path of faith, there comes a moment when we’re called to go beyond half-hearted participation and embrace an “all in” commitment. It’s a decision to reorder our lives, time, and resources around Jesus and his mission—a journey requiring sacrifice, trust, and a heart open to God’s work.

At Preston Trail, the call to be all in has shaped our history and continues to guide our future. It’s more than a financial commitment; it’s a complete surrender to God’s purpose for our lives and for the world. As we explore what this looks like, consider how God may be calling you to step forward in faith, to trust him with everything, and to join the work of building his Kingdom.

The journey began with a simple yet profound prayer: Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. This principle, drawn from the life of missionary William Carey, resonates deeply with our mission at Preston Trail. Carey’s legacy reminds us that God uses ordinary people—people without extraordinary skills or credentials—to accomplish extraordinary purposes. When we align our lives with God’s vision, we become part of something far greater than ourselves.

At Preston Trail, this mindset has led to remarkable milestones. From our earliest days meeting in rented theaters to building a church that serves North Texas and beyond, the story of Preston Trail is one of God exceeding expectations. But none of it happened unilaterally. God didn’t simply drop blessings into our laps. He worked through his people—ordinary believers willing to trust him with their time, talents, and treasures.

To be all in begins with a commitment to Jesus. In the Gospels, we see Jesus calling ordinary fishermen to follow him, asking them to leave behind their nets and livelihood. Their response was immediate and total—they left everything to follow him. Today, the call remains the same: Jesus invites us to reorder our lives around him, to love him above all else, and to take up our cross daily.

Being all in means putting Jesus first, even when it costs us something. It’s a commitment to surrender everything—our plans, possessions, and preferences—for the sake of knowing him. As the Apostle Paul said, “Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). This level of devotion isn’t easy, but it’s the foundation of a life fully aligned with God’s purposes.

Loving Jesus inevitably leads to loving others. At Preston Trail, we’ve always been focused on three key areas: the next generation, our neighbors, and the needs of the world. This outward focus drives everything we do, from student ministries to global missions. It’s a commitment to ensure that future generations know and follow Jesus, that our neighbors experience his love, and that the needs of the world are met through acts of compassion and generosity.

This mission isn’t just theoretical; it’s deeply personal. Stories like Tim’s, who invited his entire neighborhood to church, remind us that being all in for others starts with simple acts of love and inclusion. Whether it’s sharing your faith with a coworker, serving a neighbor in need, or supporting a mission trip, every act of generosity and kindness reflects God’s heart for the world.

One of the most tangible ways to go all in is through financial generosity. Money is a deeply personal and often sensitive topic, but it’s also a significant part of discipleship. Jesus spoke about money more than almost any other subject because he knew its potential to either enslave us or set us free.

Generosity isn’t about the amount; it’s about the heart. Whether it’s giving up two Starbucks visits a week, delaying a home improvement project, or donating appreciated stock, the act of giving stretches our faith and aligns our priorities with God’s Kingdom. Every gift, no matter how small or large, contributes to something greater—a legacy of faith that impacts lives for generations to come.

 As Jason and Tiffany Porter shared in their testimony, learning to give was a journey of trust and obedience. For Jason, releasing money from his tightly clenched hands was a struggle, but through prayer and persistence, he experienced the joy and freedom that come with generosity. Their story is a powerful reminder that giving isn’t about losing something; it’s about gaining a deeper relationship with God.

The journey of generosity looks different for everyone. For some, giving up a daily coffee habit might be a significant sacrifice. For others, it could mean delaying a major purchase or rethinking how they manage their resources. The key isn’t equal gifts but equal sacrifice. It’s about giving in a way that stretches us, deepens our trust in God, and aligns our hearts with his.

God doesn’t compare our gifts; he looks at the heart behind them. As you consider what it means to be all in, resist the temptation to compare yourself to others. Instead, ask, “Am I making a sacrificial gift that costs me something? Am I trusting God to provide as I step out in faith?”

Generosity isn’t just about the present; it’s about planting seeds for the future. Like the old proverb says, “Everyone should plant a tree, knowing they will never sit under its shade.” When we give, we’re investing in something eternal—ensuring that the next generation, our neighbors, and the world experience the love of Jesus.

This is our moment to make a difference, to step out in faith, and to be part of a movement that changes lives. Whether through financial gifts, acts of service, or sharing the Gospel, every contribution matters. Together, we can build a legacy that reflects God’s love and transforms communities.

The call to be all in is a personal one. It requires each of us to examine our hearts, to consider what we’re holding back, and to trust God with every area of our lives. As you reflect on this call, ask yourself: What does it look like for me to be all in? How can I align my time, talents, and resources with God’s purposes?

This is a moment of surrender, a chance to lay everything at God’s feet and say, “It’s all Yours.” Whether you’re just beginning your journey of faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, there’s always a next step. Take it boldly, trusting that God will use your faithfulness to accomplish more than you can imagine.

Together, let’s be all in—for Jesus, for others, and for the world. Let’s expect great things from God and attempt great things for him, knowing that he is faithful to exceed every expectation.