Fear of not having enough?

As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

Are you so concerned about your finances and money that your fear of not having enough chokes out your trust in the Lord?

Consider also this statement from Jesus…

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:25-27

Does this statement immediately get ‘dismissed’ in your thinking when you read or hear it? Why? Fear? Greed? Discontentment? This is a HUGE issue for us here on earth. The scriptures talk A LOT about money and the dangers surrounding it. Yet – we are to be found faithful stewards of that which He has given us. Consider the parable of the talents in Matthew chapter 25.

One must also consider this statement from Jesus…

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:9-11

So how are we to deal with money and put aside our fear of lack? There is only one answer I know of that actually works. By allowing the Holy Spirit to begin to change our character and views of money. HE has to do the work in us, and we need to ask Him to do it … within us! The faith imbedded within us by God needs to be utilized by our trust in action to the instructions He specifically gives to each one of us personally.

Can you give what He tells you to give when it is VERY uncomfortable? I’m NOT talking about the ‘preachers’ who manipulate the scriptures for their views on ‘prosperity’ and tithing so that you will give / ‘seed’ into their “ministry”. I’m talking about that VERY personal prompting by the Holy Spirit to give something directly to someone with NO expectation of receiving ANYTHING in return (NO tax benefit / no record) from the money given. This is Holy Spirit directed giving. This is not tithing either (another whole topic that needs to be corrected). Can you give to Him what you consider is your ‘treasure’ / security when He asks it of you? How much do you trust Him… really? If you surrender ALL your finances to Him (which really is His in the first place – you just haven’t recognized it yet), you will be tested on that challenge and act of surrender. Will you pass it?

Father… I recognize EVERYTHING I have is Yours in the first place. Jesus… show me where You want me to eternally invest. Holy Spirit teach me to Trust You! Help me to be obedient when You ask me to give. Confirm Your wishes to me on how to handle YOUR resources that I might be Your servant and good steward with ALL that You have given to me.

YOU Father ARE my resource of ALL things I need.