At least we have each other and a Sovereign God who provides all our needs!
“For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren….that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us…” (2 Cor. 1:8-10)
Our Great God is in control, even when fear is elevated during a challenging season in our nation’s economy. In our community alone, there are 4-5 condo units for sale that are not going any where. The value of our homes are decreasing substantially. Gas prices just keep going up! It has been overwhelming me as of late. You may likewise be burdened or overwhelmed by the challenges of budget-keeping, but may I assure you that it all has a greater purpose! In order that we might not rely upon ourselves but on God! How should we as Christians respond?
My husband shared with me something that Charles Spurgeon said while I was getting increasingly frustrated at the current situation…what do we have to complain about? Are you not saved? Are you not redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb? Then you have need of nothing else. Your greatest need has been provided for in Christ Jesus. Why am I quick to fear and complain at such little things?
Thankfully, this world is not our home! There will be no insecurity in heaven! Praise God!
I was greatly blessed by this article from A Wise Woman Builds Her House, which I share exerts from below.
High Gas Prices
In light of higher gas prices, have you considered that this could mean more time at home? More time to truly invest in your family, investing in what is best, rather than going non-stop. Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!
“Take some opportunity to really relax, invest time in your children and love your husband. Be busy building up your family and home life and actually slow down enough to smell the roses.”
Real Estate
In light of slumbering real estate, consider enjoying the home that you have rather than being on a race to get a better place…
“Sometimes I get tired of hearing the cries of the rat race to upgrade. I think we would be wise to be content, no matter what our situations, even if we are in small homes. The American Dream is not the large home and big toys—the true American dream is finding your life through Jesus Christ.”
The Lord Jesus truly can only provide that fulfillment that we crave!
Stretching the Budget
In light of stretching the budget…this is a great opportunity to learn how to cook from scratch and grow in our understanding of good stewardship.
“”It forces us to stop eating out and start eating at the dinner table and engage in lively, heart-felt conversation. Children do not need fancy clothes, gourmet food, or the newest toy but they DO need a mom and dad that are available to love them. Take this opportunity to teach them what really matters.”
You have an opportunity to be creative! It is so much fun in the process as well!
Decrease Your Living Not Your Giving
But growing in good stewardship does not mean holding back our money in fear for ourselves.
Christian charitable organizations are suffering as a result of this slowing economy. It has made me think…Its seems in light of the possible recession, people have decreased or stopped their giving altogether, and we have ministry organizations suffering as a result. Our local Pregnancy Resource Center was doing well a few months ago, and now they are $175,000 behind budget just since January.
We are not exempt from challenging financial times. But are we to live in fear? Are we afraid that what we have may be taken away? Praise God! It will lessen our dependence upon the things of this world and return us to a pilgrim mentality that this world is not our home and to send it on ahead. Is giving the first thing to go when times get tight? Have we considered how we might rather decrease our living rather than our giving so the work of the ministry of Christ’s hands and feet in these organizations might continue on?
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” - Proverbs 3:9-10
Do you see how this works? Even in the face of trials, or tightening the budgets, if we give generously to the needs of others, God will measure it back to us far beyond what we could imagine. It will be running over!! His provision will be bursting forth! Plus, the best part is, we will have great treasure being stored up for us in heaven!
God is indeed sovereign! Use this opportunity to grow together as a family and PRAY! Pray for our nation and it’s leaders. May God supply them with ever increasing wisdom and discernment during this season. Pray that any job losses/financial crisis’ in families around the nation would result in drawing people to God! And don’t stop giving to the work of the ministry!
This is my first time visiting your site, but it appears to be what I have been looking for. I recently saw a pillow with the saying, “Faith begins where worry ends”. I think I need that reminder during these uncertain times. It is amazing to me how you can see the silver lining hidden in these difficult situations. Your perspective is very inciteful. I am guilty of considering to stop tithing during this difficult time, but God used your website to remind me that He is always faithful. Thank You !!!!
Lindsay,
Your words of wisdom have touched my heart today. Our family lives on a very tight budget with one income. It is very difficult, with the increasing prices, to find money for extra, unexpected bills that come our way. There are times when I lose my focus during the frustration. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help me see my Hope today!
Lindsay,
Thank you so much for this post. It’s no coincidence I’ve been thinking much of the same thing. Our already tight budget is now getting even tighter, especially with the gas prices. Thank you for reminding me of the provision we have in Christ. Have a great week!
I have thought of this a lot. God has always provide for us in the past – He continues to provide for us today and He will provide for us in the future. I try to be frugal – and do my part – but I know that wisdom even to do that comes from the Lord. Such peace I can have even in uncertain times.
Thanks for the post.
Blessings,
~Martie
Lindsay-
Wonderful. Solid. Encouraging. Well written, too. I hope you don’t mind if I leave a link to it on my blog.
I love your blog. Thank you for bringing up such good points in the middle of so much complaining. I have also been trying to look at it as being more creative in the way you do things and in what you buy.
I guess we’re blessed. we are a 2 income family, but live on one. We’ve been saving my income since day one of marriage. In the beginning, we saved for a our home. After a few years of saving we were able to put down a down payment of half the asking price. Now our home is 100% paid for. Our savings right now is for our children’s college education as we believe in education, and for any work right now, it requires a college education. the college education prices continue to skyrocket, and we don’t want our children to go into debt to pay for it. With ise investments, and prayer, our children will have a free college education!
Gas prices, not bothering us too much. Good car maintenance, and even both of us driving SUVs we aren’t feeling the pinch. We both can go 2 weeks before having to fill up.
Our concern is the world-wide food shortage, more than gas.
And as you said Lindsay, God does supply ALL of our needs according to HIS riches and glory.