Today I want to us to look at this familiar parable in relation to if we should "go astray" in our finances and get lost.
As we covered last month, it is easier and faster in today's world to go astray financially and become submerged in debt. However, we have a God who can move even faster and is more powerful to work on our behalf... if we allow Him.
Our first step in overcoming debt is in recognizing that our previous steps have taken us where we do not want to be - whether it is that nagging feeling of uncomfortableness about how much you are in debt, or from the enlightenment of God's Word sharing His Wisdom to "owe no man any thing but to love one another" (Romans 13:8), or that "the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7).
For a long time I have seen God miraculously turn around finances for households, with the catalyst being their willingness to change their thinking about debt - and begin taking steps against it.
A church member who attended our Debt-Freedom Class and was excited to begin her new journey was a manager who submitted a pay increase for one of her employees. Her superior said "you're not being paid enough" and gave her an immediate increase, and she knew exactly what to do with that increase - to reduce her first debt. She was thrilled to share how God had moved on her behalf to all in our Bible study group.
Karen and I, in the early stages of reducing debts, were each given pay increases of over 10%... completely out of the blue that no one could have seen coming. We applied those newfound funds towards our debt and knew that God was working to "push the wind into our sails" and help us to be free of debt that much sooner.
These and other examples are what I feel are tangible demonstrations of how "He rejoices" when He has found us, not to mention the additional connection of love felt from Him because one of those mountains in your life are moving that only He can move.
Think about it from God's perspective, given what His Word says... would He be looking to bless someone financially who will take that and buy a new 90" television or boat, or one that is looking to obey Him and break free of their debts?
Hopefully you are encouraged by what has been shared so far and say "what can I do next to move forward?"
Karen and I teach a free, 3-hour class titled Debt Free & Prosperous Living. The course and textbook were authored by John Cummuta, who has helped more than three million people worldwide. But the real author of the principles is The Lord, which is why in the class we will cover over two dozen supporting scriptures that will leave you encouraged, excited and ready to begin your journey towards debt-freedom!
Look for an announcement soon on our church website for the upcoming class, kick away the excuses the enemy would toss at you to keep you from receiving this life-changing instruction and sign up.
Lastly, to further know how He rejoices in blessing and restoring us, take with you these verses from Joel 2:
Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem! Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring.
The threshing floors will again be piled high and with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.
The Lord says, "I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.
Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the Lord your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced.
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
