- Image by Roby© via Flickr
We have truly been blessed over the last week by friends’ giving to us for our survey trip. I”ll have to add it up tomorrow in my office, but we are even closer to having our expenses covered.
I have to admit that depending on people for money is a bit humbling. I think we have deep within us the desire to provide for ourselves and our families. But then again Jesus said
So do not worry saying “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” for the pagans run after these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
I feel caught in the middle of trying to make money appear vs. waiting on God to provide it. Is there a middle ground? Or should we always just wait on God and let Him do the work? Some have taken this stance and stayed with it over long periods of time. When we have a finanical need, maybe we should see it as an opportunity to grow spiritually, more dependence on God and less on our talents, persuasive speaking, or even…dare I say it, hard work.
We know that work is good, but a faith in my “hard work” or “good-paying job” over God can be idolatrous. For we know that “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
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3 responses so far ↓
Matt Carter // September 3, 2009 at 9:02 am |
I can relate to what you’re saying. Having supported my family via fund-raising for the last two years, it’s humbling, challenging, frightening, and several other adjectives. I’ve recently begun working at a Caribou Coffee to help make ends meet.
I think God calls us in different ways and provides in different ways. May He bless you in just the right way for your calling. Thanks for your friendship and encouragement!
ryanrichardson // September 3, 2009 at 9:31 am |
Thanks Matt! Seems like our lives are following similar paths. Hopefully we can work together again some day!
bethanyintransit // September 19, 2009 at 2:09 pm |
I think the most important thing to do with fundraising is to ask God for a pure heart. It is easy to slip into a wrong attitude, speaking from experience from fundraising for being here in Togo this year. But God has been completely and gloriously faithful. When I first started fundraising, a friend of great faith prayed that I would have a thousand dollars over my goal amount. At the time I was pretty doubtful that that would happen, I have to confess. I’m ashamed of my attitude then. But God honored his prayer offered in faith, and I did get the thousand dollars over, plus a few hundred to spare. God owns all the money ever.