Jenn says: We’ve been in Mexico for two weeks, and the time here, spiritually for me has been unreal. I have had a lot of time to reflect, and have found some of my attitudes and perspectives less than Christian.
I am the worrier of the relationship, especially when it comes to finances. I’ve monitored our finances and worked on our budget several times since we’ve been married. We’ve talked a lot about having faith that God will provide, but have I really had faith? I have often wrongly measured my faith in God taking care of us according to my own ability to strategize (i.e., come up with a good budget). Really, I’m trusting in my own ability and effort. In the midst of that supposed “faith,” blessing others with money when the Holy Spirit is prompting has been ultimately cut out. “Not now,” I’ve murmured God, “once I start getting paid more and Jason is out of school, then we can give. We’ll do fine as long as we don’t give anything away.” And these words are being murmured by someone driven by missions! My thinking has been so wrong! I’ve been greatly mistaken.
I have been reminded now that the Christian life is not about me, it is about God. Our money is ultimately His. I cannot get caught up in the American Dream, as the Christian mentality looks drastically different than that. As we live in a country of great wealth and potential for success, many American Christians (me included) don’t like to hear that. We can budget, be cautious, get out of debt, and save wisely what God has given us…but when God calls us to give it away, we gladly and faithfully give it. It’s not 10%, it’s 100%. Jason said that to me once when we were dating, and he made me really mad…but he was right! God is our Provider. His blessings are abundant. With our own money, I am finally resting in the fact that I can really trust Him for the money coming in and the freedom to bless others. What a stress reliever! These verses blessed my heart today and brought me to peace:
“There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more.
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.
The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.” Psalms 11: 24, 25, & 28
Jesus’ words: “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven where no thief comes near or moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33-34
Some others that have come to mind:
“Each one of you must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
I am the worrier of the relationship, especially when it comes to finances. I’ve monitored our finances and worked on our budget several times since we’ve been married. We’ve talked a lot about having faith that God will provide, but have I really had faith? I have often wrongly measured my faith in God taking care of us according to my own ability to strategize (i.e., come up with a good budget). Really, I’m trusting in my own ability and effort. In the midst of that supposed “faith,” blessing others with money when the Holy Spirit is prompting has been ultimately cut out. “Not now,” I’ve murmured God, “once I start getting paid more and Jason is out of school, then we can give. We’ll do fine as long as we don’t give anything away.” And these words are being murmured by someone driven by missions! My thinking has been so wrong! I’ve been greatly mistaken.
I have been reminded now that the Christian life is not about me, it is about God. Our money is ultimately His. I cannot get caught up in the American Dream, as the Christian mentality looks drastically different than that. As we live in a country of great wealth and potential for success, many American Christians (me included) don’t like to hear that. We can budget, be cautious, get out of debt, and save wisely what God has given us…but when God calls us to give it away, we gladly and faithfully give it. It’s not 10%, it’s 100%. Jason said that to me once when we were dating, and he made me really mad…but he was right! God is our Provider. His blessings are abundant. With our own money, I am finally resting in the fact that I can really trust Him for the money coming in and the freedom to bless others. What a stress reliever! These verses blessed my heart today and brought me to peace:
“There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more.
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.
The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.
He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.” Psalms 11: 24, 25, & 28
Jesus’ words: “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven where no thief comes near or moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33-34
Some others that have come to mind:
“Each one of you must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
