The Key to Unlocking God’s Blessings

After her divorce, Diane said, “It was difficult. I was unsure of how I was going to make ends meet.”

Diane Waite didn’t expect to start over after 31 years of marriage. Yet now this once stay-at-home wife and homeschooling mother faced a future that felt financially unstable. “And I still had one son that still had five years left of homeschooling. I wanted to make sure that I was there for him for all he needed. I didn't have an opportunity to get a full-time job. So, it was like, okay, Lord, what am I gonna do now?” Diane recalled.

She earned extra money by teaching piano and occasional senior care. One morning, when she sat down to balance her checking account, she reached a breaking point. Diane said, “I had paid my bills that month and my checking account read $19. And I thought, $19. This is not abundant living.”

“So I said, God, I think we need to do something different. And it's like, I was willing to go find a job somewhere,” Diane explained. “I really prayed, Lord, what do I do? And the Lord spoke to me very seriously and he said, you need to start tithing. I was afraid that if I tithe and took 10% of my money and gave it to the Lord that I wouldn't have enough to meet my bills by the end of the month. And I said, Lord, I don't have the faith to tithe. And He said, well then build your faith.”

So, she turned to scripture. Every day for a month, Diane spoke Malachi 3:10 aloud, asking God to build the faith she lacked. “And it was almost like He was showing me, if you do your part, if you give your tithe, I'm free to bless you because the Scripture says: ‘then I will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that you cannot contain.’”

As Diane tithed, the work came. She got more work and more money, and she even picked up some sewing projects. She never searched for jobs—they found her. “God provided a lot of part-time work instead of one full-time job,” Diane recalled. “I had more elderly ladies to take care for. And then I got the job as the school bus monitor every afternoon, which brought in a weekly income. I saw the consistency of God's provision.”

She also experienced great joy in giving to ministries she believes in—like CBN. Diane said, “Whether it be the water systems or the cleft lip surgery or the disasters in places here in the United States or overseas, CBN is sensitive to the needs that are around the world and actually bringing people to Christ. And I think that is what it's all about is fulfilling the Great Commission.”

She’s watched The 700 Club faithfully for years. As a CBN partner, she’s helped fund three clean water systems. “I wanted to be a part of that because I can't physically go there. So, I feel that by giving my offerings, I am a part of what God is doing around the world,” Diane explained.

Through it all, Diane says she learned a principle that changed everything: tithing isn’t about loss, it’s about unlocking God’s blessing. “And that's very humbling when you look at how much God loves us, that He wants us to follow His Word and His Word says, bring the tithe. And I will bless.”

Today, she’s still tithing, still giving, and still sewing—not for income, but to serve others. Money is no longer a concern. “I'm not afraid anymore,” Diane said. “And this is the abundant life, is knowing that he is always going to supply your need no matter how much you give away. This is the only place in Scripture where He tells us we can test Him. So why not try it? Why not test Him and see what He does.”

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” Will you partner with CBN and help plant generously around the world? Your generous giving brings hope to the hopeless and the truth of God’s Word to millions around the world through our humanitarian efforts. Become a CBN partner today and share the love of Christ.