I Double-Dog Dare You to Test the Lord: Living a Blessed Life of Giving

A Childhood Phrase with a Deeper Meaning

This past week, I was messaging a friend and playfully issuing her a challenge. We had a friendly competition going, and I teased that I would do something to give myself an advantage. Her response made me laugh: “I double-dog dare you.”

I hadn’t heard that phrase since I was a kid! It struck me as so funny that I even told Joe about our conversation later that night. He chuckled too and said he hadn’t heard that saying since his childhood either.

Little did I know, the Lord was about to use that very phrase to speak to me.

My Word of the Year: GIVE

Back in December, I chose a word to focus on for the year, and my word was GIVE. I’ve been intentionally seeking ways to give, whether it’s my time, my affection, my resources, or my knowledge.

When I heard about a book called The Blessed Life, I picked it up because it centers around the heart of giving. The author digs into what the Bible says about tithing, the Old Testament versus the New Testament, and the difference between living under the Law versus living under Grace. Much of the teaching comes from Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament.

God’s Invitation in Malachi 3:10

One verse stood out to me in a powerful way:

Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
¹⁰ 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.

Most of Scripture tells us not to test the Lord. But here in Malachi 3:10, God extends an invitation to do exactly that.

The author of The Blessed Life pointed this out and then challenged his readers: “I double-dog dare you to test the Lord with this verse.”

There it was again! That same childhood phrase, two times in two days. I don’t believe in coincidences, so I paid attention.

An Immediate Test of Faith

Not long after reading that challenge, I received an email saying I had been paid. Smiling to myself, I thought, “Maybe the Lord is testing me instead of the other way around.” I took out my checkbook, wrote a check to the church, and moved on with my day.

Just a few hours later, something unusual happened. I had been negotiating a campaign with a brand, and they told me their budget was already maxed out. I accepted the lower offer, as I often do, and expected that to be the end of it.

But three hours after I wrote the check, the brand emailed me again. This time, they said they had found extra money in their budget and wanted to increase my compensation. Who does that? Why would a company pay more after you already accepted less?

More Than We Could Imagine

This brought another verse to mind:

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I wasn’t testing the Lord, yet He blessed me beyond what I had given. That’s the beautiful cycle of a blessed life: you give to the Lord, and He blesses you abundantly.

Living the Blessed Life

God’s blessings don’t always come in financial form. They may show up as peace when you need it most, joy in the middle of trials, healing, reconciliation, or simply the love of family and friends.

I’ve walked through hardships and challenges that I wouldn’t want to repeat, but even in those seasons, I still feel blessed beyond measure. Reading this book wasn’t about how to get more; it was about how to give more. I don’t need to test the Lord to know His power. I’ve seen Him move mountains, heal the broken, and provide in ways I could never imagine.

A Challenge for You

Now, I’m passing along the challenge. I double-dog dare you to test the Lord.

Test Him with your finances. Test Him with your time. Test Him with your heart. Then, watch as He blesses you in ways you may never expect.

To God Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With a Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that every blessing comes from You. Teach us to give with joyful hearts, trusting that You will provide for our every need. Help us release control, open our hands, and test You in faith, knowing that Your promises are true. May our lives reflect Your generosity, and may we glorify You in every gift we give.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.