WAITING ON GOD
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5, NIV
Theme: Plan your expenses carefully so that you know how you are using your (and God’s) money.
IMPULSIVE
In my family, we have one planner and one “seat of your pants” personality. When it comes to preaching, Mike is very regimented in his study and preparation schedule. But in the rest of his life—and particularly his days off—any planning feels constricting! Plans limit the last minute, amazing thing that “might have/ would have/could have” happened if he hadn’t been boxed in by a scheduled event!
When it comes to money, we both started off impulsive. Seriously, we had never mentioned we needed a stereo (back in the day when you couldn’t stream everything to any speaker). But we saw a sale and it was “such a savings” that we were sorely tempted to buy this unnecessary item. Saving ourselves several hundred dollars (even though spending even more than that to get the deal) seemed impossible to pass up. This happened often, so we developed a “Six-week List.” It was hand-written and stuck to the fridge. It is common to us even now, even though we have the reserves and/or credit to do most of what we want at any time.
SIX-WEEK LIST
On our list, we obviously put things like replacing a vehicle. We also list and pray about things like vacations (staycation or travel?). We at least verbally discuss for weeks things like buying a tree for the yard, whether to replace or repair the mower, or a new rug. We don’t have an actual list on the refrigerator anymore. But we never, ever buy the first time the idea comes to us. We ponder. We wait for direction from God and a peace that passes understanding. We want to be good stewards of God’s gifts.
COMFORT IN THE HARD TIMES
Because we have been less impulsive, we have accumulated margin. And we have had the finances to significantly help others: with adoption expenses, by giving away cars, or in supporting The Cove and other ministries. When a financial crisis does loom before me, I lie in bed at night and talk to God. I remind Him that we have given as He has led us. We have planned and tithed and supported His work. We have not been impulsive, but have tried to listen for His Spirit, and have sacrificed for the Gospel. I also ask forgiveness for where I have been selfish or “spendy.” I confess that I trust Him, my Father, to meet all my needs, as He already has done in Christ Jesus.
Make It Personal: I’m not great at budgeting, but I have a spreadsheet and good estimates. If you haven’t tracked your spending, you should. Here is an excellent resource: budgeting tools from I Was Broke. Now I’m Not. If you are impulsive, consider a six-week list. It’s a great way to lead your family, including children, in seeking God’s will (say, whether we need a dog or horse!). Planning and waiting make the reward even sweeter, when in God’s perfect time and provision, dreams come true.
Pray: God, thank You that I already have all I need. Even when I am financially tight, I still have You and Your promises to care and provide for me. Help me to plan according to Your will and direction, that my plans and my finances might bring glory to Your Name. Amen.
Read: Luke 14:25-35
Weekly Memory Verse: "Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce." Proverbs 3:9, ESV