Category: March Through the Madness: Principles from the Prophets

One question has signed a lease agreement in our minds: “What are we going to do?”  Secular and spiritual leaders tell us that things will improve, but what if our economy doesn’t rebound immediately.  What if more people (you included) lose their jobs, homes, health, or investments?  If these questions have terrorized you lately, then let me reassure you: GOD WILL SUPPLY!  He may not come when we want Him, but He’ll be there right on time!

Elijah reminded me that God will take care of His people, even in the worst economy.  Elijah lived in a pitiful economy – the Lord allowed a drought so sever that it caused a famine.  Although conditions were horrible around him, Elijah was unaffected.  The Lord treated him like His sheep, and He led him to green pastures and still waters.  Throughout the drought, Elijah received meals on wings, for ravens brought him food day and night.  Truly, God will take care of His people.

We must always remember that God cannot lie; whatever He says must happen.  Through David, He said, “Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.  They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough” (Psalm 37:18-19, New Living Translation).  Elijah is a witness of God’s providence, and since you’re a child of the King, you will be, too!   Be still, and remember that GOD WILL SUPPLY!

Once I was young, and now I am old.  Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25, New Living Translation)

The current financial crisis has made many people restrict, and even cease, their spending.  Many people have vowed allegiance to their budget, and they refuse to spend money on anything they don’t need.  Sadly, tithes and offering are line items that fall off the essential needs budget.  Choosing not to give to God may seem profitable at first, but trust me, it’s one of the worst decisions you can make.  Not only is it robbing God of the glory He deserves, but it removes your cup from His fountain of blessings.

The widow Elijah met at Zarephath was almost guilty of stinginess.  God had commanded her to give to Elijah (see 1 Kings 17:9), but she had some reservations.  She had completed some calculations, and she concluded that the same resources Elijah requested could also feed her and her son.  But Elijah shared some insight that sealed her obedience: “… the God of Israel says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” (1 Kings 17:14, New Living Translation).  After she gave to Elijah, her resources never ran out!

This recharge is a reminder that you can give your way out of a crisis.  It’s not the amount of our gifts that secure God’s blessings, rather, it’s our obedience to giving!  God rewards obedience abundantly, for He said, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple.  If you do … I will open the windows of heaven for you.  I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!  Try it!  Put me to the test!” (Malachi 3:10, New Living Translation)  Give your way out!

Losing your job has to be difficult, but it’s a reality for many Americans.  People who have labored diligently for Bank of America, Circuit City, and Wachovia, to mention a few, have had to vacate their positions.  Just imagine the thoughts that cross their minds: “How will I pay my mortgage?”, “Will I find another job?”, “Why did this happen to me?”  Worse, imagine how frightening they might be if they weren’t good stewards of their finances.

We can get so attached to the securities associated with an opportunity that life without the opportunity seems impossible.  Sometimes, however, God has to close one door to show us a more permanent, promising, and prosperous opportunity elsewhere.  The woman whom Elisha met in this story had grown attached to her husband (revenue source), and when he died, leaving debts she couldn’t pay, she panicked.  Elisha, however, helped her realize the precious possession she had – the flask (small amount) of olive oil that she deemed insufficient.  This pot of oil was more than enough, for the woman paid off her debts and had some “pocket change” left over (see 2 Kings 4:7).

Maybe the madness you’re experiencing is a blessing in disguise.  All of the business ideas haven’t been exhausted, and the small idea you have could explode.  Use what you have, and by faith, trust God to sustain what He starts through you!

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20, New Living Translation).