Chapter 2
Excuse #1: - “I Can’t Afford It”

This is the number one excuse many Christians give when it comes to tithing: “I can’t afford it.” I know this excuse all too well, because I used to believe it myself. When bills were due, when the paycheck wasn’t enough, when I was staring at needs that seemed bigger than my resources, the thought always came: “God understands… He knows I just can’t afford it right now.”

But here’s the truth: that is a lie from the enemy. The Bible never says we should tithe when it’s convenient or when we have “extra.” It says the tithe belongs to the Lord—period. To say, “I can’t afford it” is really saying “I don’t trust God to keep His promise.”

In Haggai 1:6, the Lord paints a clear picture of what happens when we hold back from Him:

“You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

Doesn’t that sound familiar? That’s the life of someone who says, “I can’t afford to tithe.” No matter how much they earn, it never seems to be enough. The money slips through their fingers like sand, because it was never blessed by God in the first place.

On the other hand, Malachi 3:10 tells us what happens when we trust God with our tithe:

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… and see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

When we say, “I can’t afford to tithe,” what we are really saying is, “I’d rather hold on to my 100% and struggle,” instead of giving God His 10% and living under an open heaven. But here is the testimony I must share: when I obeyed God and gave Him His 10%, somehow my 90% always went farther than the 100% I tried to hold onto. Bills were paid. Needs were met. Unexpected blessings showed up. God made a way when it didn’t make sense on paper.

The truth is, you can’t afford not to tithe. When you withhold what belongs to God, you’re cutting yourself off from His covenant of provision. But when you honor Him first, you’re inviting the supernatural into your finances. You’re declaring, “God, I trust You more than I trust my paycheck, my job, or my bank account.” And trust me—He always proves Himself faithful.

Prayer:
“Father, I repent for believing the lie that I cannot afford to tithe. You are my Provider, not my paycheck. Help me to trust You, even when it looks like I don’t have enough.”

Declaration:
“I declare that I am not ruled by fear. As I put God first, I will always have more than enough. My seed will multiply, and my barns will be filled with plenty.”

When you make honor your posture, overflow becomes your portion.

Giving to God first isn’t about losing — it’s about unlocking the door to divine provision. God doesn’t just want to bless what you give; He wants to bless what remains in your hand!

So today, check your heart — not just your wallet.
Ask yourself: Am I honoring God in my finances, my time, my words, and my daily walk? Because where honor lives, lack cannot stay.

Challenge:
Today, take one step to honor God — whether it’s through giving, forgiving, or serving. Then, watch Him fill your barns and overflow your life.