Faith During Financial Famine

So many families are growing weary because our nation is experiencing a financial famine.  It is one thing to be out of work for a few months.  It is quite another when times are tough for a few years.  Can faith actually grow during extremely hard times?  Or do we just pray for brighter days?

I spoke with a man from our church this week who hasn't been regularly employed in 2 years.  He finds work here and there, working hard to pay the bills and provide for his wife and 2 children.  Last week, he found work at the McCormick Place, setting up tradeshows.  He finds out maybe a day in advance if he has work.  He gets paid by the hour, and when the work runs out, he is sent home. 

I was astounded to hear him say, "You know what Pastor Ryan, 2 years is a long time, but I know the story of Job.  I said to God, 'You could take it all and I would still follow you.  I could sell everything and live in a cardboard box and that wouldn't change anything.'" 

Here I thought I was going to encourage this man, and he ended up greatly encouraging me!  What resolve.  What devotion.  What trust.  What perseverence.  I believe God stores up special blessings for those who follow Him closely during times of famine.  Not to mention His Word becomes so much more precious.  This man mentioned my sermon last week when I told the story of Matthias being chosen by the casting of lots.  In that sermon, I challenged people to release control to the Lord.  This man said, "You won't believe this.  There were 10 men working and they needed to send 5 home.  The boss actually had us draw straws to see who stayed and made more overtime!  I looked at those straws and said, 'I can't control that.'  But I got picked to stay to the end of the day."  What an amazing story of how God's Word sustains us on a weekly basis. 

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  James 1:2-4