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False beliefs about your needs

God isn't meeting our needs

The Bible tells us that a worker is worth his wages but many in ministry know they are worth a lot more than that! 

Then the Lord will reply to them: ”I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.” Joel ch2 v19 NIV

The working week

A minister’s wife was asked if she went out to work. When she replied that, no she didn’t, she was a house wife, her questioner went on to puzzle, “then how do you manage when your husband only works one hour a week?”

There is much misunderstanding about ministry and equally as much about how ministry families have their financial needs met. The taxman recognises that my husband, a minister, is not “paid” but receives a stipend and employment law that he is not employed by the church but works for God but most people in the street don’t begin to think about ministry finances. Many in ministry rely entirely on financial gifts from individuals, supporters in their church or churches else where—particularly those leading independent churches or those on the mission field at home or abroad. More than that many spouses go out to work to “raise more cash” for the family bank account.

Worth how much?

The Bible tells us that a worker is worth his wages (eg 1 Timothy ch5 v18) but many in ministry know they are worth a lot more than that! Few receive a professional level wage but do a professional job and work long hours at high cost to their families and personal well being. Then there is stress and worry because finances are always tight.

Some would say that it is unfair to look at passages about God prospering His people when so many good Christians are struggling and doing their best but I firmly believe every word of the Bible is there for our teaching and benefit. This means when we read verses about God’s provision we should not skip over them because we do not understand them when our experience is different. So what does today’s verse from Joel ch2 v19 say to us in the UK today?

 

 

 

 

The very example Jesus gives is a food related one—basic needs being met generously.

Joel's message

The context (and I recommend you look at that for yourselves too) is that Joel preaches to Judah a message of judgment and repentance following which there will be restoration and blessing. Chapter 3 goes on to say that the other nations with then be gathered and judged similarly.

Is it possible to say that when we have repented of our sins and become Christian people that we too can have God’s blessing and our needs met? Can the modern Christian experience be laid over the prophecy of Joel?—Repentance followed by blessing. I believe we can.

Jesus backs it up

Jesus himself in Matthew ch7 v7 tells us to ask, that it may be given, seek, that we may find and knock, that doors may be opened. Is he just talking about answers to questions and doors of opportunity? No– the very example Jesus gives is a food related one—basic needs being met generously. “Do not worry,” Jesus said as recorded in Matthew ch 6 v 25. Eating, drinking and clothing—these God knows we need and He promises (yes, promises) to provide these when we seek first His Kingdom.

But is not the Joel verse saying more than this? Not just our basic needs of food and clothing but abundance. You see God is filled with Holy jealousy (Joel ch2 v18) and He wants great things for His people. He does not want us to feel and look bad. He wants us to be a leading example. I put the word “Holy” before “jealousy” because it is totally different from our feelings of jealousy. God’s jealousy comes from His love towards us and His desire to protect and prosper us. This is Godly protection not selfish hoarding. It is His nature to share His glory with us; to extend himself into our realm with all His abundance. If Jesus is in us then his abundance is in us to.

God will not risk our very faith by overloading us with what we cannot handle.

“So why aren’t I rich,” you say. (“relative to whom?” I might ask first.) I do believe God is willing to bestow material riches but our focus in the question I believe gives the game away about what is in our heart. God will not risk our very faith by overloading us with what we cannot handle. The question is focusing on our needs and wants and is not focusing on putting God’s kingdom first.

 

 

 

Am I saying that if you are struggling it is because you lack faith? No!

Needs today

So what about your need today? What do I recommend to you, my dear Christian sister, who may be struggling deeply today? Get into God’s word some more. Boost your faith by reminding yourself what God’s promises are towards you. Make your prayers “provision led” rather than “needs led”. What I mean by this is focus on God rather than yourself. Thank God for his provision and His promises and commit yourself to live in trust of them.

Each time a worry comes along about your finances or other needs lay that burden on the cross of Jesus. “I am totally dependant on you my Lord and I commit my trust to you to provide for me as you have promised in Your Word.” When worries loom large you may need to pray this prayer every minute or two. Later on as your faith grows, every 3 or 4 minutes, then every 10 minutes and you will realise other thoughts have replaced your worries! You may need to repeat the process later in the day but God does respond to faith. He is an active God and He also responds to a lack of faith. Am I saying that if you are struggling it is because you lack faith? No! What I am saying is that if you have unmet needs you need to exercise your faith. You may get your answer in a way you did not foresee. In fact I almost guarantee this will be the case!

 

You may feel all sorts of difficult emotions but keep faith and patience active.

 

Patience

As well as faith you need to exercise patience. A lovely Christian once said to me that “God seems to answer after what I thought was the final deadline.” He will stretch your faith because He is interested in your spiritual growth as well as your material needs. Be patient, God answers prayer. He may stretch you, He may shock you, He may give you a gentle kick from behind. You may feel all sorts of difficult emotions but keep faith and patience active.

Eternal perspective

My lovely Christian sister, God may turn your whole life on its head when you come to Him in prayer about your needs. He may call you to new work. He may give you what you wanted just the way you thought He would. He may tell you to do without. He may tell you to wait. He may surprise you. I do not know what He will do, but I do know this: what He does will have your very best interests at heart from the eternal perspective. So look up and keep praying. God will provide for all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians ch 4 v19

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This article © Linda Faber 2006-2009.