How Do I Cope When Financial Strain Hits?

This may look familiar as the title was published previously–but a different devotional was included in the body of the message. My error. Please take a moment to read this devotional by Kerryn which so many of us can relate with. -Lisa

“In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9).

Illnesses create strains in many areas, causing further stress. Financial strain is a scary problem among the sick, and I’m no exception!

How do we cope as God’s children?

We go through the feelings that every human being goes through and God feels our distress! If we listen He shows us His ways that are so much better to relieve the stress, as we trust in Him.

Recently God has drawn me to reading chronologically through the Bible. Through this He is continually reminding me that He provided for His children.

He “carried them all the days of old.”

God is the same yesterday, today and forever, so He will carry us through too. Just like the Israelites, He may show us strange and bizarre things to do too! However, we can trust Him.

Many years ago our family walked away from a shared property where all our money was invested. We left with our belongings and family because God told us to. Nearly 2 years later He orchestrated the property sale and our investment returned.

In 2003 God sent our family on a trip overseas for 6 months, with no idea where we were going, why or how to cover our expenses, as we had no income. He provided homes to stay, ministry and income opportunities from the strangest places. In each home that we stayed in we heard people say that God had sent us to help them!

Reminiscing reminded me that God has carried us “all the days of old” and He will do it again.

So what are we to do?

Read the Bible, pray, listen, do what God shows us, trust Him, walk by faith and not by sight.

Just like the Israelites, it may not be easy, but God will guide us.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are Jehovah-jireh, the Lord who provides. Help me to thank You in this journey and not to grumble, like the Israelites, when Your provision may be different to what I want. Amen.

About the Author:
Kerryn Wright lives with her family among the gum trees in South Australia. She was a special education teacher prior to chronic illnesses. Her husband is carer for three of their family, who have chronic illnesses and disabilities. God has always guided them through life’s challenges, often in surprising ways.

Are you going through a scary time with your finances? How has God provided for you in the past? What bible story of God’s provision encourages you most?

This is Alan Jackson singing a much-loved hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story.” When I think of financial strains, I think of the ways God does provide. It doesn’t mean we live an easy life or we have everything we want–or sometimes what we need–but that He does provide. And what a wonderful story we have to share of His goodness even when we are at the end of our dollars and wondering how He will show up. -Lisa