Trusting God in a time of financial crisis part 1
This is the first of three weekly posts about the current cost of living challenge from Paul Plagerson. Paul is the author of ‘If God is so good, why do I always seem to be broke?’
Don’t Panic
The governor of the Bank of England stated recently that an ‘apocalyptic’ rise in food prices is on the way, we know electricity and gas is doubling in cost and as for petrol and diesel, well they just keep going up……
The headlines are full of dire warnings of a looming cost of living crisis and the TV news seems to focus on creating as much fear and anxiety as they can with words like ‘shocking, dramatic, and surging’ to describe inflation.
We could be forgiven for believing that the end of the world is at hand, and the sky really is falling! Our natural tendency is to become anxious and fearful. If it were not so, there would have been no need for the frequent ‘fear nots’ in scripture.
The bible from Joshua to Jesus tells us again and again to fear not the things of this life which MAY affect us, or which POSSIBLY might have some impact.
It’s all getting out of proportion, While the cost of living may rise, it will not affect God’s everlasting love for you, nor is there any crisis in heaven. God knows your needs and has promised to provide.
Remember who you are
While I’m not suggesting that there will not be some difficult choices to be made over shopping, heating, and travelling, I believe it’s important to remember just how well off we really are in the West. The standard of living each one of us have today is greater than at any time in history, and it’s easy to get the current challenges out of proportion.
The most dangerous and depressing thing is to allow ourselves to be caught up in the current climate of fear. We already have been preconditioned by the pandemic to be cautious and fearful to the point of paranoia, the thought of large price rises can push us further downwards if we let it.
No Crisis in Heaven
I repeat, there is no crisis in heaven. God is still on the throne and His love for you is unchanged. Indeed, It is His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32
If you find that you are becoming anxious about making ends meet, or indeed about anything at all, then ask God to give you His peace and thank Him that he is your provider.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Matt 6:25 (NLT)
Those aren’t just reassuring words. Provision is practical. Ask and you will receive. Mark 11:24 reads ‘I tell you whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’
Thank you Paul
Paul Plagerson is a financial counsellor, teacher and mentor who has brought hope, encouragement and guidance to many. Some of those he has worked with are students, as well as church and business leaders. He is passionate to see people walk in the abundance that their Heavenly Father has for them to enjoy. Paul has recently moved to live in the West Midlands with his wife Anne where they are part of Jubilee Church Solihull.
