Daily Devotional for Tuesday March 26, 2002

Losing Money and Work

(Ecclesiastes 5:10; Proverbs 6:6)

Prior to the tragedy of September 11, we were already seeing an increase in the prayer requests, daily, from people losing their jobs and seeing their investment portfolios diminishing. Since that tragic day, we have had even more prayer requests from all over the country from people who are losing their jobs and experiencing financial difficulties. I want to try to deal with both of these issues today, since they are very much intertwined and ultimately depend on our faith in Christ.

Over the last year and a half, we have seen the NASDAQ go from the 5,000 level to under 1,900. During that same period, the Dow Jones has gone from 11,000 to under 10,400. The net result has been the loss of trillions of dollars of investor capital. This has greatly affected not only the short term holdings of millions of people, but long-term retirement holdings as well. Just a couple of years ago, people were watching their 401K gain 10%, 20%, 30%, even 50% in a year?s time. People with mutual funds saw annual returns of 10%-40%. However, the last year and a half has wiped out most, if not all, of those gains. People who at this time last year were very secure financially, are now dealing with great uncertainties in this area.

The important lesson here, as painful as is it for so many, is that God is in control. We must never forget first of all, that all we have is simply a loan from Him. I get many emails daily about the issue of tithing which I will address in a Devotional very soon. The fact is, IT IS ALL GOD?S! Whatever He blesses us with in this lifetime is simply a loan from Him. It ALL belongs to Him. When we give to our local church and to other works of God like Liveprayer, we are simply giving back to God what is already His to begin with. So in times of financial difficulty we must first remember, it is not ours, it is God?s. And God promised us in Matthew 6:25-34 that if we will seek Him and His Kingdom, He will take care of those earthly needs we have. God knows what our needs are and will help us to meet those daily needs we have. No matter what your financial situation is, don?t stop giving back to God each week part of what is already His. It is an act of obedience. Many who have financial troubles tell me they can?t afford to give anything to God. I tell them, they can?t afford NOT to give something to God, that it is already His.

Many of you are facing employment issues as well. Let me assure you, it is NO ACCIDENT that you work where you work. God has strategically placed you in that job, not only to provide income for your daily needs, but to use you as a ?light? to those who live in darkness. You are one of His ambassadors at that company you work for. If you are currently out of work, never forget that for every door God allows to close, He will open a new one. The key is to pray, formulate a game plan to get a new job, and then do all you can to get that accomplished. The goal in everything we do in this life is to do our best, do all we can, then pray and allow God to do His part. The great Revival Preacher Charles Finney said, ?I do all I can like it all depends on me, then I get on my knees and pray like it all depends on God.? It is a blending of our responsibility and God?s sovereignty.

I love you and care about you so very much. I know many of you today are struggling with your finances, and struggling with employment issues. I want you to know, today, that I am standing with you in prayer, and that God will provide, as He promised, to meet the day-to-day needs we have in this life, and that He will open the right doors for you in regard to a job. GOD IS ABLE!!! The key for you today, is not to get discouraged, and never forget God loves you and is still on the throne. Do your part in regard to your finances, using the wisdom God gives you, do your part in regard to your employment, and then know God will do His part. I have to tell you that as we begin to see the war with those who would like to destroy the U.S. unfold, things will not get any easier. There will be more people struggling financially and more people having to deal with finding new jobs. But that is the time your faith must become real.

GOD WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN OR FAIL YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. HE WILL PROVIDE!!!

Again, for those of you who are battling with financial issues and for those battling with employment issues, know that I am praying for you today. The Lord often allows us to go through trials to help us see how dependent we are on Him. He is our source. He knows the needs. He will provide. I am praying!!!