Faith and Financial Uncertainty in the Home

Published June 16, 2020 by SMBC

It's been remarkable to see how interconnected the world has become as the COVID-19 crisis took hold. A tiny virus has made its way around the world in just a few months on the breath of people. Interdependencies in the world economy have come to light from the collective response to the tiny virus. The usual supply/demand balances have been radically altered worldwide. The economic uncertainty and the resulting fear in these times have shaken the foundation of global relationships, security, and trust. Acting out of fear never produces a positive outcome, and the news cycle that churns out endless discussion about unknowns is causing wild volatility because of the fear of the unknown.

Likewise, the economic uncertainty we face in our homes can strain relationships. The interdependencies that exist within a healthy family become more apparent and are at risk when our behavior begins to be driven by fear. God's Word instructs us to ?not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.? (Philippians 4:6) The peace of God is always available to us, we just need to remember!

As we begin to open up deliberately and carefully, remember what we might have learned during our exile about what we truly need and from where it comes. The manna was provided daily and was not to be hoarded for tomorrow. Fear and a need for control is what will cause us to not trust God to provide our daily needs. And our needs are likely much simpler than we thought before. The first beatitude is ?You?re blessed when you?re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.? Matthew 5:3 (MSG) Trust God to provide the temperament, the patience, the discernment to navigate our paths forward.

In Pastor Steve's April 30 daily devotional (one of the blessings of the pandemic), he spoke of gratitude. Giving according to our gifts and with a full heart can be critical in a time such as this, not only for the receiver but also for the giver. That is a means to make less of me and more of God and his rule.

In the first century the Roman road network, built for violent conquest, was used by God to spread the Gospel through His chosen. May the Gospel message spread like the virus around the world on the breath of believers, followers of The Way!

Peace!
? Joe Frazier