Where is God When Good People Have No Money?
by Gloria Chafulumisa-Muli
2008 was a tough year financially, eh!
I have a question for you to think about especially now that we’re all talking about economic hardships and recessions.
Is it easier to worship God in times of plenty, or in times of lack? When our banks are flowing with dollars, or when we are running on negatives? When are we more willing to say, “Praise the Lord!” When we are rich, or when we are in lack?
A friend of mine, a Sunday school teacher, called me one recent Sunday before service. “Glo,” she said. “I don’t think I can minister today. I am going through a rough patch, spiritual wrestling and I don’t think I will be able to watch the children today. Can you fill in for me?”
I had done it many times. And even this time, I agreed to take over the Sunday school lesson. But I was wrestling in my mind. If we are supposed to do something, does that change when times change?
We can worship God with our money, if the money is there. But what do we do when there is no money? Do we then stop giving and tithing and being faithful? Do we give up, slouch and wait for Him to provide like He did manna in the wilderness? We can definitely worship God even when we are so-called broke, busted and disgusted. We do it by:
Not worrying: Jesus told us in Matthew 6 to consider the lilies of the field and the sparrows in the sky. God takes care of them. We are more valuable than they are. God will definitely take care of us.
Not complaining: The tongue is powerful and can kindle a huge fire, as we see in James 3. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and the Israelites were destroyed for their murmuring so we know that God does not like it when we complain. We should instead look around and see our blessings, count them and be thankful.
Not coveting: When we have no money, we always seem to be surrounded by people who we wonder if they have money trees in their back yard. As the 10 Commandments tell us, we should not covet what a neighbor has. God knows our every need and provides it according to His riches in Christ.
Not quitting: Most of all we should not be weary in welldoing. We shouldn’t quit what we are supposed to do every time something goes wrong. If everyone quit at every whim, the world would be in chaos. James says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for hen he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12) Endurance is the key. Not only being tested, but also sticking through it even when we know we have the option to drop everything and run away.
If we are faithful in that which is least, we will be faithful in much. Hard times determine where our hearts lie and what or who our true love is.
In 2009, let’s not allow money to become a determinant of our attitude toward God.
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