When Worry about Money Threatens Our Ministry & Health

I lay awake at night thinking about some big bills, yet unpaid. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was overwhelmed by worry about money. There was a tightening in my stomach and a feeling of stress as I pondered. How would we pay the bills? Where would the money come from?

Some people think it is more spiritual to live in poverty or to live hand-to-mouth. What that phrase means is, I only have in my hand what I need to put in my mouth.

That is a very stressful way to live! If we live this way, and disciple others to live this way, we establish something called community poverty.

Different Seasons and Approaches

God may call some people to this lifestyle of daily provision for a specific purpose or time. When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God provided daily manna and no more. Most of the Biblical account, however, teaches us financial management, planning, and to increase our financial health. This is described as wisdom in God’s Word.

There are different seasons in our ministry, and various approaches to support raising. God may speak different things at different times to different people. One thing we can be sure of, however. He does not want us to live in fear or worry about money. Living in financial stress is the direct opposite of trusting our loving heavenly Father.

Orphan Spirit Leads to Hoarding

I have fostered orphans in the past. Often, if a child has not had a loving family, they struggle with hoarding. They may hide food in their bed or take far more than they can eat. They are fixated on food. Because they have experienced great lack, and not having someone faithful to care for them, they save and hide extra food.

We should not behave like spiritual orphans. We have a loving Heavenly Father who care for us. A loved child does not worry if he/she will be fed. They may need to work with the parents to grow or cook food, but there is no worry about survival.

Living in a poverty mentality can come from a faulty understanding or application of Jesus’ teaching. In Matthew 7, He said, “Do not worry about food or clothes, because God knows what you need.”

I have regularly seen how God miraculously provides for His children.

An Example that Challenged Me

For many years, we started churches among people who were not from a Christian background. Some of these believers wanted to become missionaries. Their unbelieving families did not support them, and their sending church was made up of a small group of young people. Where would the money come from?

One of these girls, we will call her Susan., was such a witness to me about what it meant to trust God. Although she had no visible means of support, she would ask God what to do, and then follow His instructions. She told me that once, when she had no money to buy food, she asked God what to do and walked along praying. As she walked, she looked down into the gutter. A packet of tissues caught her eye. She felt prompted to pick it up, and as she opened it, she found a few 100 notes inside it. She took it to the police station nearby to ask if anyone had lost it. Amazingly, the police did not take it for themselves. They told her no one had lost it, and that she should take it. That money was enough for her food and rent for a month!

Maybe you have your own story like that. I have some I could add here. It’s important that we remember how God has provided for us in the past when we are struggling with our present. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Trust, Pray, Listen, Obey

Susan demonstrated that it is possible to trust God to provide. We trust and pray. Then we listen and obey Him carefully to “find” where and how He wants to provide for us.

Turn to God with your financial fear and stress. Listen to Him. Jesus said that God cares for the birds. You are far more precious to Him than swallows or parrots. Your Father cares deeply about you.

Consider These Questions if You Often Worry About Money

• What are your beliefs about money?
• What is the source of your biggest stress?
• What is your main desire?
• What do you see as your role in managing/stewarding your finances?

Be honest with God and let Him know what you are worrying about. Ask Him for His wisdom about what to do.

Do you have a story of God’s guidance or provision? Share it in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook Group! We’d love to hear and be encouraged by your testimony. We will share more on this topic soon so stay tuned!

*This is a guest blog originally written by RM. Edited and updated by Cynthia Anderson.