It was not a coincidence that a check mailed to me for an amount which
was almost precisely what I needed to write another check came within
the week as my savings account was closed. Being between jobs took a
toll on this particular savings account, and the company notified me
that if I did not deposit above their minimum, they would do just this.
It was a sad occurrence but a blessing in disguise because if they did
not close my account, they would have charged me to write a check since
the amount I had was still less than their check-writing minimum.
Ever get frustrated with finances?
The Lord tells us multiple times in Scripture not to worry in passages
such as Matthew 6, Mark 13, Luke 12, etc but to pray remembering
passages such as Philippians 4:6-7, James 5:13-16, etc.
Certainly, He means it. I prayed in April
of 2008 for a specific amount when I needed more money for rent. Within
several days, I had a job offer that would provide me with $5 more than
this during the next month--what timing!
Other times it seems like our prayers can fall to the wayside... going
seemingly unanswered for weeks, even years. It is during times like this
that it is helpful to remember other Scriptures, which the Lord may be
using to teach us:
"But godliness with contentment is great
gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out
of it" (1 Timothy 1:6-7).
If we are growing discouraged, might it be
time for an attitude adjustment?
Basically, I got most of what I have for free. I was born without money,
inherited some from family, worked more recently for a small amount of
it--but it was other people who took initiative in creating the
companies that have supported my career development. I certainly won't
be packing hundreds of Benjamins into my coffin. This leaves the time in
between birth and death wide open for change, both in my wallet and how
I use it between banks.
How can we worship through
financial crises, or even with monetary blessings, when things are going
well?
Here is some food for thought from
Hebrews 12:28-29 which says,
"Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let
us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
for our 'God is a consuming fire.'"
These words came to mind recently as I walked to the bank to arrange yet
another transaction. Thankfulness, reverence and awe are three attitudes
mentioned in this Scripture. Though they do not specifically revolve
around money, I think they are applicable-- because when finances fall,
we feel shaken.
But what stands firm, according to this
verse?
The Kingdom!
And I'm receiving it! This is not a
conditional verb. It is a certainty that I can bank on!
I ask myself now, what new door
could the Lord be opening in my life?
What door might He be opening in yours?
If something feels "closed"-- might it be
time to improve our attitudes and to listen for what is next?
Thank Him for what you do have, and do not
cease to worship Him in your thoughts and attitudes.
Does He deserve any less?
Accept His words, and expect Him even when accounts seemed closed!
Kristen Agnew is a
graduate student and a cell group leader
of Living Acts which is part of Oakland International Fellowship, the
English congregation for Pittsburgh Chinese Church-Oakland!
