Jesus wants to be a part of everything in your life; the big things and the small things.[1]
How many of us believe prayer can play an active role in solving money problems? I sure do and I’ve seen it happen.
At the time we became regional directors for Crown Ministries, we owned a beautiful 21-foot boat. We also owed about $100,000 on our home mortgage and had two kids in college. Because we taught Biblical financial concepts, we agreed that God’s best plan for our future was to become totally debt-free.
A plan was set in motion that included selling the boat. However, before the ad was placed in the newspaper, we held hands and said a prayer. “Lord, please help us to use the things we have to reach our goal of debt-free living. And it really matters to us that the buyer you bring will not be placing himself in debt to buy our boat. This sounds like a huge request but please free us without adding money problems to someone else. Amen.”
A few days went by. One morning a man, active in Young Life ministries and living two hundred miles away, called asking to see our boat. Of course we arranged a time for him to drive down and take a look. He liked what he saw and was eager to buy the Sea Ray.
The story gets better. God not only brought a buyer, he brought a buyer with cash, and with the same unusual new-to-the-market electric plug we’d installed on our vehicle. Only the Lord could have arranged that exact detail. Our very specific prayers were answered in big ways. The happiest part for me was the thought of our boat being put to Kingdom use taking teenagers out for water fun and Christ-centered activities.
Smiling, we marveled at what God had done, said a prayer of thanks, and put the money gained onto the mortgage debt.
Your money goals will likely differ from mine. They might include college tuition, health issues, a new roof, or car repairs. Whatever the financial challenge, there’s a pressing need to overcome a specific money woe. Some folks have adequate savings but most have meager cash reserves. Will you take on a second job, sell something, or ask a relative or close friend for a loan? Or, will you first take the matter to prayer and include the Lord before moving in a direction to meet your need? I’d challenge you to pray specific prayers and see what happens.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
[1] Roy and Ann Chapman, Have a Jesus Filled Day, 2005, p. 79
