Everyday faith for everyday finances
I bet if I told you our monthly income you would do one of two things: gasp and then go silent or laugh nervously.
Honestly, it’s that small.
For more than twelve years my husband and I have served in full-time ministry where we’ve had to raise 100% of our support. Some people call this “living by faith”, but I’m not crazy about that term since I believe all Christians are called to live by faith.
Whatever you want to name it, we depend on the generosity of others to pay our bills. And although we’ve always had enough, we’re not exactly rolling in the dough.
Those who know us in “real life” would testify that we don’t live like we make peanuts.
We actually live really well.
Some people would even call us rich. (Most of the world, in fact.)
Why does God provide?
I could tell you a hundred stories about the ways God has provided for us during our years in ministry. Some are truly miraculous. (Ask me if we get to sit down for a cuppa one day – I’d love to share.)
But God’s not provided for our little family because we’re in ministry.
He’s provided for us because he’s God. And that’s what he does.
And he’s provided for us because he thinks we’re worth it.
“Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:24)
Lessons I’ve learned about finances while living on the mission field:
- No matter who signs your paycheck, the funds are withdrawn from God’s account.
- You never have too little to give. Seriously.
- Everyone should support a missionary. Even missionaries should support a missionary.
- A little planning can go a long way. (For example, I buy Christmas gifts year round as I spot bargains.)
- The freedom of living with no debt, is… freeing.
- God always provides for that which he directs. No exceptions.
- Consider your finances, but don’t let your finances dictate your life. (God has a sneaky way of providing in ways you wouldn’t expect.)
- Bursting or empty, your bank balance doesn’t define you. (Or your worth.)
- If financial problems are bringing you down, get prayer and support and encouragement from the Body. (Trust me, I’ve been there. We need each other.)
- If you are in financial difficulty, confide in the right people. People want to be generous, but they can’t give toward a need they don’t know exists.
- A little creativity goes a long way – use Freecycle, thrift, attend clothes swaps, repurpose stuff, DIY, buy off-season, etc.
- You are only poor if you think of yourself that way.
- You are only rich if you think of yourself that way. (We are rich. Incredibly.)
- God provides for you because he’s God and because you’re important to him. (Lk 12:24)
- God meets your needs according to his riches, not your own. (Phil 4:19)
He is, and you are.
Money is important. It’s good, it’s necessary, and it can be used to worship God and bless others.
Maybe you’re in a place of financial hardship. If that’s the case, I know talking about money can be difficult.
But this applies to you too: Jehovah Jirah – God Provides. He is who he says he is.
Take courage, friend. You and your family are worth it.
You. are. worth. his. provision.
And whether you’re in a “good” place or a “bad” place financially, this truth remains:
God is good and his mercies endure forever. (That means, like, forever. Even tomorrow. And the next day.)
Dear friends, what is one truth about finances that you need to internalize today? Do you need prayer in this area? Leave a prayer request in the comments and we will stand with you before our Provider.
{Photo used via Creative Commons}
Adriel Booker
Adriel Booker is a writer, speaker, and difference-maker living Down Under with her love (and two littles) where they serve in full-time ministry and full-time parenting together. She writes at The Mommyhood Memos, where she's passionate about encouraging and empowering women.
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