Growing Through Challenge - Financial Concerns

August 7, 1976

How concerned I am about "my" ministry, "my" welfare and comfort, and "my" concerns... instead of recognizing that all these things I call "mine" are actually His. How much better it would be if I would spend time thanking Him for all his provision as He sees to my welfare in His own wonderful ways... for whether by life or death, by abundance or want, His way will be the very best.

So many seem to be preaching Christ to save men from Hell... how much better it would be to preach Christ simply because of who He is... our friend... our provider... our supply... and our eternal hope.

July 17, 1977

During this time of financial challenge, it is required that we live more by faith. Yet, if we handle it rightly, God is giving us a wonderful privilege and opportunity to learn great and unforgettable lessons in prayer, trust, and giving. What a priceless heritage if we could learn these treasures! What would the Father say to us if we could hear His voice? Might He say...

"Dear one, I know how you need to have hope in these moments of want and concern. Remember that hope, that grandeur of trust, comes about when we are confronted with the inevitable insecurities and uncertainties of this mortal life, yet we choose to look inward and upward for wisdom and strength. Did not the psalmist say, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." and did not Jesus himself say that God sees and is concerned about even the smallest sparrow? How much more are you to Me than the sparrow? Pray, give thanks for all that you have, and give to others in need. Surely, your needs will also be met."

November 13, 1983

As I scramble about just trying to 'make a living', I keep feeling that I need to spend more time 'designing a life'. I desire more control of my time and life's direction, instead of having my life dictated by economic pressures, but I sense a larger perspective growing as the Father might say to my heart...

"Dear one... trust in Me and My out-working in your life. While you may plan your days in an effort to get more done, remember that it is My plan which is at work behind the scenes of your life that will ultimately succeed. Just do your best, and give thanks for each moment and each opportunity... and I will design your life in wonderful ways that you cannot even imagine!"

August 24, 1984

I have discovered that my emotions are tied too closely to my finances. I seem to have two choices...
     1) I can continue to make myself unhappy by fretting about the high cost of living and the growing financial demands of life, or...
     2) I can savor every moment of life, rejoicing in everything, even paying each bill when I have enough money to do so, or the chance to trust Him when I don't.

Trust... this seems to be the lesson that the Father wants me to learn at this time.

April 5, 1988

Some things I need to remember about money might be...
     1) "Give no thought about [it]..." _Matthew 6:31
     2) Give thanks when I have enough to write each check, doing so joyfully and triumphantly.

And if there is no money in the bank, delight in the grand adventure of trust, and remember that trusting in God during these challenging economic times will bring more security than a million dollars in the bank.

August 22, 1991

Father, when faced with the financial blows within this week, help me to see it more from the eternal perspective, concentrating and giving thanks for what I have left rather than what I have lost. Perhaps You might say...

"Dear one, savor my supply and my provision... even in the face of devastation."

March 6, 1992

Perhaps the Father might say to me, during this time of financial concern and life-challenges...

"Dear one, relax... there's no need to struggle so and fight against the turns of life... just enjoy this present moment. Remember you are worth a lot more to Me, and can serve others better, if you are in a state of joyful peace. Also, remember that I am here with you, and you have My total mercy, forgiveness, and grace. I will help you every moment... to be more than you could ever be in yourself. My grace is sufficient, even in your weakness."

March 9, 1992

Father, I am concerned that my life is becoming more complicated, rather than more simplified, as I desire. I am blessed financially at this time, but how do I use it to simplify my life instead of being seduced into a cycle of higher and higher standard of living... therefore having to continually make more and more money? Is there a way to reverse the trend and still be satisfied? Where is the balance? Perhaps He would say...

"Dear one, the only balance you can truly have in this regard is being thankful, in plenty or in need, and have a willing heart to help those less fortunate. Notice that 'more' does not always mean 'happier'. Receive with joy the blessings of today, and trust in Me for wisdom to make the right choices for each present moment. This wonderful moment is My gift to you... savor and enjoy it."

October 22, 1995

Father, instead of being discouraged that my financies are challenging, help me to always remember the times past, and the incomparable joy of being able to trust you in such a real and practical way for each day's provision. This is much better than 'security'... and your surprises are so much better than predictability.

November 30, 2002

Father, business slow-downs and limited finances remind me again that regardless of circumstances, or our most diligent efforts, we must still depend on Your over-care.

Said another way... we daily have the privilege of getting to depend on Your very personal involvement in every aspect of this temporary earthly journey. Thank You for loving us so much that You take the time to guide even the smallest details of our lives.

December 2, 2002

What a wonderful surprise to see God's blessing! When it seemed we were in a business slow-down, yet the end of the year showed an actual increase! When health conditions required a treatment far beyond our ability to pay, yet good people stepped in and the need was met. How great it is to see the Father stretch our income and provide regardless of appearances and circumstances.

Truly, Father, you are our only security. Help us to always remember and rejoice in that truth.

April 16, 2003

Father, as I have moments of doubt and anxiety, help every beat of my heart to remind me of your astounding over-care... always working behind the scenes for our good... and that absolutely nothing is impossible with You!

September 29, 2004

How do I keep trusting God during the long 'in-between' times?
Be still... don't struggle so, and give up the frantic quest to work things out or make something happen.
Relinquish the illusion of control over my life.
Rest in the sublime, all-encompassing presence of my Heavenly Father.

June 28, 2011

Father, as I try to be a good steward of our retirement funds, reading so many different investment books, strategies and views, please help Linda and me to always find that calm place of peace where we really live in the assurance that, in the end, YOU are our real supply! We can thus always rest calmly in YOU, no matter what is happening in the world or its economy. I know I need to be diligent, but please help me find always that proper balance of effort and trust.