We stared at the documents.
We were signing papers to buy a house. The one that stunned us showed the final amount we would pay at the end of our thirty-year mortgage. We would pay about half of what the house was worth in interest. Where would all that money come from?
So often we think in material terms regarding decisions about the future. What will the economy do this year? Will we be downsized out of our jobs? Will we be able to afford to pay the bills? Or will I get that promotion (and pay raise) I had my eye on for so long?
Although finances are important in knowing God’s will, God often stretches our faith by asking us to trust Him to provide for us. He is the one who not only sees but also controls our future. And He is working everything out so that He receives the greatest glory in our lives.
The disciples worried about their futures as well. They left their livelihoods behind to follow Jesus, expecting that things would turn better for them once Jesus took His rightful role as Messiah. But following a nomadic rabbi? Where would their next meal come from? And what if their sandals wore out?
Jesus wanted all who listened to Him to understand that the same God who provided for the birds would provide for them too. God knew what their needs were and wanted His followers to focus on the one thing of true worth: His kingdom. The value of God’s kingdom, according to Jesus, exceeds anything else in this life. Jesus challenged them to rest in their faith believing that God would take care of them.
Is there a bottom line you are struggling with? If so, God calls you to let go of those concerns for just one day.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Marcellus George is an author and a professor of theology. He and his wife are thankful for their adopted twin sons. He enjoys writing and reflecting on all the things God has done for us in adopting us. You can connect with him on his website, "Lessons From the Adoptive Journey," at https://marcellusgeorge.com.