Keeping Faith to Overcome Financial Struggle

Cassie Steele – OCP News Service – 29/3/19

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. Are you not much more valuable than they? – Matthew 6:26

Wealth and money are important topics throughout the Bible, and Jesus spoke on these matters in 11 of his 39 parables in the New Testament. Yet teachings about the dangers of focusing on money can seem impertinent when simply making ends meet is a substantial challenge for many of us. Indeed, financial hardship could be more than enough to weaken faith, but it is that very faith that has the power to completely change your circumstances. God repeatedly promises to provide, whether that be through blessings or wisdom or means, and having faith in these promises is the key to releasing you from the burden of economic worry.

Seek Solace in the Bible

Jesus declared in the wilderness that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). When in your own financial wilderness, reading God’s Word and dwelling on His teachings and promises provides the best foundation for overcoming your struggles. With over 2000 verses particularly addressing finances and many more about facing struggle, the Bible not only provides empathy and comfort but also encouragement and practical steps forward as well. Rooting yourself in the Word amidst your economic adversities can also remind you how much bigger God is than our worldly problems, and help raise you out of the stress and anxiety that comes with financial difficulties. Free of such worries, you’ll be better able to discern the solutions God will provide for you.

Consider Your Options

While it is true that “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19), He always expects us to do our part in trusting and following Him. The Bible is the perfect financial guide, but only if put into action. With that in mind, sit down after dwelling on the Word and take a deep inward look at your financial history and budgeting choices to determine exactly how you reached your situation. Doing so will help establish what practical paths you can take to restore your finances. These options may be as simple as changing your spending habits or may extend to requiring legal assistance, but all can be used by God to bless and provide for you.

Pray Through to Recovery

Through all situations, prayer is of the utmost importance. Paul writes in Philippians 4:6 that we “[should] not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. Prayer is your direct line to God and allows you to be continually connected to His wisdom, which is a crucial component when seeking out the right steps to take to get you on the road to economic recovery. Faithfully praying through your struggles also opens a spiritual connection through which God can imbue you with the hope and strength needed to get through such difficult situations.

Financial uncertainty and shortfalls can be one of the most difficult challenges we face today due to the damage it can do to all areas of our lives. However, faithfully reminding yourself of God’s promises and seeking His wisdom through prayer to find the best path forwards will soon turn your struggles to prosperous stability.

Source:
Cassie Steele – OCP News Service