Faith as Currency in Our FinancesНамуна

How much is enough? Each of us will likely have a different answer to that question. And when it comes to material resources, in times of plenty and in times of lack, none of us are above greed or a scarcity mindset. We can find ourselves living with the nagging fear that we’ll never have enough. Thankfully, God’s Word challenges our default mindset of discontent, reassuring us of God’s perfect love, wisdom, and power as He pursues us, provides for us, and teaches us to depend wholly on Him.

In Exodus 16:1–5, we find the Israelites moaning about their wilderness living and traveling conditions. They long for the delicious food they ate in Egypt – to the point that they wish God hadn’t rescued them from slavery. Merciful and loving, God promises to provide for them by sending daily manna. But it’s worth noting that the Israelites' food and lifestyle had changed because they were now living in a desert. Perhaps you can relate, because your circumstances have changed too, and you’re having to adjust to far less than you previously enjoyed. God hadn’t forgotten about His people, and He hasn’t forgotten about you. The change in the Israelites’ circumstances was for a time and a purpose: to take them to the Promised Land. God is leading you somewhere too, and your future is bright because God is already there.

It’s also interesting that God provided exactly what was needed to sustain His people. He was testing them to see how content they’d be if He gave them just enough. We serve that same God, and as we go to Him daily for our current or ongoing needs, He’s training us to surrender and submit to Him continuously.

In Exodus 16:6–7, Moses and Aaron stand in the gap for God’s people, exercising their faith by proclaiming what God has promised. We can learn three things from their faith when we may not have plenty yet God is providing all we need. Firstly, our faith encourages us to depend on God. Secondly, our faith refines our prayer life. Having just enough drives us toward daily dependence on God and keeps us mindful of how much we need to rely on Him for everything. Thirdly, our faith encourages us to live a life of contentment.

Sometimes God tests our dependence on Him by allowing us to pass through seasons of lack. May He grow our dependence on Him, sharpen our faith as we double down in prayer, and teach us to be content with the daily bread He provides. May we resist the temptation to hoard our riches. Rather, may we wisely gather what we need, and then enjoy God’s peace. Take to heart the words of Jeremiah 29:11: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’