Weekend Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Not Afraid - Fear of Not Having Enough
Read: Matthew 19:23-24; Luke 12:16-21
Think: When listening to Pastor Ben speak about having enough, I evaluated my own life to see if I am operating in fear of having enough or am I living in faith knowing that God will provide. There comes a point in all of our lives when we need to surrender our finances to Him.
As my family’s financial portfolio lost 85% of its net worth over a couple years, our financial advisor insisted, “It will bounce back. If you sell now you will be losing a ton of money.” The decision not to go with my gut instinct and follow his advice instead still haunts me from time to time.
Despite the huge loss, we choose to focus on the 15% that remains. I still have my house, car, food, clothing and plenty to live on day to day. My wife and I may work a few more years than originally anticipated, but we still have so much to be thankful for.
There are so many times in the Bible that God views financial freedom as stumbling block in our relationship with Him. For example, Matthew 19:23-24 says “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” The truth is, if we have financial freedom, we are less likely to rely on God. Our self-sufficiency becomes the very thing that gets in the way of being truly rich – rich with God’s presence, living in His will, serving Him…
Despite what the world and our surroundings often tell us, God knows what we need and provides.
Do: Trust in God, knowing that He will provide all that you need! Anything more may cause you to stumble.
Pray: Dear Lord, please provide me clarity and wisdom related to how I invest my finances. But more than that help me to view my money and all that I have through your eyes! Give me peace, knowing You will always provide. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.