Financial Distress

Scripture

Hebrews 13:5,6 "Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never, never fail you nor forsake you." That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, "The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me."

Romans 5:3,4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us; they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady."

Message

Nothing happens to a Christian that God does not allow to happen. But when the loss of finances become a problem for you and your family, it can destroy your world. Just when things were starting to go well, just when you thought you were finally out of the woods, just when you took a chance and bought a new car or a house. Poverty strikes. It hits you like a ton of bricks right through your confidence, your self-esteem and your pride. You panic. You try to get credit cards to pay for other credit cards. You try to get a loan to pay all the other loans until you find another job. But nothing you do does any good. You are on the brink of destruction, teetering on the edge of hell. You could lose your home, your car, your family, your life, everything you worked so hard to get. You fall into a web of evil and deceit, maybe even trying to gamble or con your way out. Don't do it. Don't give in to the devil's evil ways. Satan is trying his best to make you feel worthless and scared. He wants you to think that there is no way out. But he is wrong. What Satan means for harm God uses for good in our lives. God will use your financial distress as a stepping stone for spiritual growth, so that you will further depend on Him and not the riches of the world.

God may want your attention right now and this was one way He knew how to get you to listen. His goal is not your happiness but your holiness. If it takes you being broke, then praise God! Open your eyes, your ears and your heart! Are you doing all you should be doing in His name? Have you turned your back on a friend or family member in need? Have you forgotten that it was God who gave you all that you have, and will ever have? If you have unconsciously put Him on the back burner of your life, maybe it is time to move Him forward. Put Him first in all you do and you will see His blessings flow. Or perhaps, through no fault of your own, you are experiencing financial crisis. With any trial or affliction you should ask, "What are you teaching me, Lord? What do you want me to learn?" Stay strong and never let your faith in Him be denied. He gave you your life and everything in it, and He can take it away at anytime. Remember, Satan can not touch you without God's permission. (Read the Book of Job). God can also restore everything again, and make it even better than it was. He knows the burden you are carrying. He knows what you need and exactly when you need it. Ask Him to help you find your purpose. Ask Him to bring you the faith you need to get through it all.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Thank you for Your faithfulness to me and helping me in my time of financial need. I know it all belongs to You. I know too that there are times when I have not been a wise steward of what You have given me. I know I am in Your care and You will see me through this difficult time. Thank you that I can trust You and know that You have allowed this in my life for a good purpose for me. I am grateful for Your promise in Romans 8:28 that You will work all things together for good, for those that love You and are called according to Your plan. I do love You, Lord. Please open my eyes to see what You want me to learn from this painful struggling time. Help me to reach out to others in need, knowing the despair they are feeling, as I have been there myself. I love You, Lord and trust in Your plan for my life. Please have mercy upon me and improve my situation. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.