Trusting God in a time of financial crisis part 3
Paul’s final post reminds us that we can all help and encourage others.
We have discussed the dangers of becoming fearful and approaching the current cost of living situation negatively in the previous blogs. Let’s now look at how we can help and encourage each other.
Look out for others
Within any church there will be people with a range of financial resources. There will be the relatively comfortable and the high earners but there will also be those struggling to make ends meet. There will be some whose faith in divine provision is strong and others whose concern for tomorrow is greater than their faith for today and who worry that they will not have enough to eat.
The early church was characterised by the fact that there were no needy people among them (Acts 4:34) and they shared with anyone who was in need. (Acts 2:45) It was also a church where miracles were expected and enjoyed.
We must look out for each other, particularly at this time. If you are really struggling financially then please do reach out, either to friends, or your Life group leaders or even the Elders. We are all part of one body, and we need to take care of every part of our body.
Each one of us needs to be sensitive to the needs of others, and although we may find talking about money embarrassing, let’s make sure there are no needy people amongst us.
Father knows what we need and will provide. Jesus said ‘Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear, is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes. Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.’ (Matt 6:25)
Jesus goes on to reassure us that our Heavenly Father knows that we need all these things and that if seek to put him and his kingdom first in our lives he will give us all we need.
He will guide us
Having been self-employed for a large part of my working life, I understand that anxiety about provision has always been the underlying state of much of humanity.
It is only through trust in His loving concern for us that we can rise above those fears.
Remember: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in want’ Ps 23.
There are practical steps we can take to either earn more or spend less. Dealing with debt is crucial and if that is an issue for anyone or anyone you know, Jubilee runs a Community Money Advice service to help.
If some general financial wisdom and encouragement is what you need, then I recommend my book ‘If God’s so good, why do I always seem to be broke.’
Thank you Paul for your timely advice and encouragement. Paul’s book is available from Amazon or direct from 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.
