Throughout the Bible we see examples of God’s people following Him and in the process going through extraordinary circumstances – being called to do what we may think of as unreasonable and uncomfortable to be obedient.
Noah built an enormous ark on a land that had never seen rain, Joshua led the Israelites to march around Jericho, David came to slay a giant with only a sling and five stones, Esther risked her life approaching the King unannounced to save her people. In every account in God’s Word one thread remained constant, they were all uncomfortable but blessed.
We’ve read of believers going through extreme trials, some even to the degree of being martyrs. Yet, what we are talking about here is merely how we trust God with our finances.
The Lord has appointed for us first to honor Him in tithes and offerings, it is written in Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income”. By doing so first we demonstrate to Him that He is our provider and that we are thankful for what He has given to us.
Is the concept of tithing or setting aside 10% first for the Lord and still having enough feel uncomfortable to you? God knows we can be challenged by this, that is why He also promised us that He would respond to our faith… “and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).
I will repeat it again - We’ve read of believers going through extreme trials, some even to the degree of being martyrs. Yet, what we are talking about here is merely how we trust God with our finances.
Overcoming debt is another area for us to trust the Lord, because He knows what is best for us. We are warned against spending more than we make in Proverbs 21:20 - There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
Is it uncomfortable to consider spending less than you make? It probably is if you’ve been operating that way for some time. The question is, what has been the result of doing things this way? You’re probably aware of what your level of debt is today compared with last year or the year before.
We have to stop the cycle of promising tomorrow’s dollars (plus interest) for things we want today. Once we get there we can progress towards having provision for tomorrow, like the precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise that Proverbs 21 spoke of.
God desires for us to be wise in Ephesians 5 “Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people)… do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is”. His will is for you to be free of debt.
Being uncomfortable in our flesh and our intellect will many times be what we experience to grow in the Lord. It is because His Wisdom is so much higher and unique and even contrary to this world, that He receives the glory when the result is fully realized.
Lastly Isaiah 41:10 encourages us: Fear not, for I am with you… I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.
God bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
