Debt Free: God's Promise, Our Duty & Your Freedomናሙና

“When God is going to do something wonderful, He always starts with a hardship; when God is going to do something amazing, He starts with an impossibility.” ― Anne Lamott

Jesus was no stranger to financial need. He did not grow up in a rich family. When he entered full-time ministry, he relied on the kindness of strangers as well as the financial support of a few key women. 

It’s with this backdrop that we enter the scene found towards the end of Matthew 17. Two tax collectors stop Peter as he enters the city and ask, “Doesn’t your teacher [Jesus] pay the temple tax?” (v.24). 

Peter replies yes and heads off to find Jesus to, presumably, ask him for the money due. Rather than give him the money, Jesus sends him on a little fishing trip, “throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch…you will find a coin” (v.27). 

In case you weren’t sure, this is very weird. But rather than break down all the symbolism in this passage, I want you to see the plain, glorious truth laid out before us: everything belongs to our Heavenly Father.

God does not have to play by the rules of this world. He does not have to follow logical means of accomplishing what He wants. Everything is at His disposal. Anything, for Him, is a possibility. 

He can take a barely enough lunch and turn it into 12 basketfuls of extra. He can transform a fishless trip into an overflowing success. 

God is ready and able to help you conquer your debt. All you have to do is ask in faith and take the next weird step He sets out for you.