Tami’s Meandering Thoughts

“The Lord said to Gideon, ‘You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.”
Judges 7:2

Money. Money. Money. I think thoughts of money occupy most of us for many hours a day. Not that we’re greedy, but there’s always that bill that needs to be paid, the groceries that need to be bought, the car that needs fixing. And now we’re entering spring so there’s the spring clothes that the kids need, the flowers for outside or the plants for the garden. Most people I know don’t squander money, but many don’t seem to have “enough”, and many are struggling with their bills. Money is a fairly universal “problem”.

How do I tie the thoughts of money into the story of Gideon? Glad you asked! In this passage Gideon amassed an army to go to war against the strong Midianite army. Slowly God whittled down Gideon’s army until there were only 300 warriors left. Why? So the Israelites could not say that they won the battle; to make it obvious to both the Jews and others that it was God who is in control, and that he is willing to use us but doesn’t really need us. So, how does that tie in with money?

I don’t tend to be a worrier. However, there are times when the “panic” comes when I know that money may be tight – way too tight for my comfort. At those times I need to stop myself from feeling overwhelmed with things that are out of my control, and admit that I am not in control. Do I trust God with my finances? Am I fine with God allowing my financial hardship so that, as he brings me through, I will boast about how God saved me? (Just a side note – God may not “bring me through” the way I want him to). God may be whittling away my financial stability so that I will firmly trust in him and then boast about how awesome God is.

Today I was talking with one of the women from the church whose husband’s business will likely close in the next few weeks. She shared that she is trusting God, but does periodically hit the “worried” stage. One day, as she was in this worried stage, she put her hand in her jeans pocket and pulled out $60 and a bank statement. The bank statement showed a date of last August. Now, she could have just been thrilled with the money, gone out to eat, and stopped short of boasting about God. However, she didn’t. She took out the money and immediately praised God for his provision for her. At a time when she was having “panic” thoughts about her future, God gave her a little assurance that He is in control. She even said she was going to carry around that bank statement just as a reminder that God will take care of her. That’s boasting about God.

I know that finances are tight for many. However, I also firmly believe that we serve a God who is in control of the world. If we are using our finances wisely, I believe God will take care of us. Does this mean it will be easy? No. Does this mean that the outcome will be what we desire? No. Unless our desire is that, no matter what life brings, we will boast about God.