Family Cent$Sample

It’s Going to Rain

Ask This: There is an old expression that says “Save for a rainy day.” What do you think it means?

Say This: This expression can be traced back to the 15th century, and the idea is that rainy days represent times of trouble or need, and that each of us should set something aside to prepare for the future.

People today are able to earn more money than at any other time in history, and yet most people make little effort to save money. A recent Bankrate survey found that 20% (1/5th) of all Americans don’t have any savings, while 40% of all Americans would have trouble covering a $400 expense such as a car repair. Financially speaking, most of us are living as if it is never going to rain. Let’s read a story from the Bible that shows us the importance of being a wise saver.

Read This: Genesis 41:15-16, 28-30, 34-36, 39-40 (Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s Dream)

Say This: In this story, Pharaoh was troubled by a dream that he did not understand. Eventually Joseph was asked to interpret the dream, which was a warning of a coming time of famine (A shortage of food). In addition to giving Joseph the unique ability to interpret the dream, God also equipped him with the wisdom needed to know how to prepare for this coming crisis. Pharaoh rewarded this wisdom by placing Joseph in charge of all of Egypt.

Just like Joseph, God gives each of us the ability to make wise decisions. Whether it is a child’s allowance, or a parents paycheck, God expects us to wisely manage what He has given us. This means saving for the future, and for the times of “rain or famine” that will eventually come into all of our lives. Matthew 25:29 tells us that “whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Let’s work together to be a family that God will continue to bless.

Ask This:

1. Do you think it’s important that kids learn to save, or is that just for adults?
2. In what ways does our family do a good job of saving? What are ways that we could do better?
3. What is one thing each of us could do to help our family do a better job of saving money?

Pray This: Dear Lord, thank you for all of the ways you provide for our family. We know that you have given us more than we need, and more than many others have. You ask us to be wise managers of what you have given us, which means saving for the unexpected things of life. Help our family to work together to spend and save our money in a way that honors you. In Jesus‘ name we pray, Amen.