In this passage from Proverbs 2: 1-5, listen to the words “if”. Those are statements of our part and then listen for the word “then”. That is the statement of God’s part. God has a part and we have a part…
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”
Far too often we want God to do His part before we are willing to do our part. We want the promises of the “then” but not the requirements of the “if”.
This is especially true when it comes to our finances. We want God to pour out His blessings on us, we want God to take care of our bills, we want God to get us out of debt, we want God to get us a better job. But God also expects us to do our part: To be faithful and disciplined.
Listen to Proverbs 14:23 – “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
If we work hard, we will profit. If we only talk about work, we will be in poverty.
Are you trying to escape financial bondage? Here is what I recommend: Search the scripture and find a promise of God related to your goal or need. Then set about doing your part to achieve that goal and trust God to do His part. He is always faithful but expects us to do our part as well.
And don’t forget that understanding how you view money and its purpose is as important as budgeting. I invite you to take the free MoneyLife Indicator assessment at Crown.org.
Chuck Bentley is the CEO of Crown, the largest Christian financial ministry in the world, founded by the late, Larry Burkett. He is an author, host of My MoneyLife – a daily radio feature, and a frequent speaker on the topic of Biblical financial principles. Follow him on Twitter @chuckbentley and visit Crown.org for more help.
By: http://blog.crown.org/handwritingonthewall/gods-part-our-part