Scripture
Reference: Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
"And my God will meet all your
needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Introduction
Financial
struggles are something most of us face at one period or another in our lives.
The expenses that we never predicted loss of a job, or unbearable debt-all
these try the strength of our faith and jostle our confidence. However, as
believers, we have the call to trust God's provision even when times are very
unsure.
This
sermon will look at how to trust God in times of financial difficulty,
emphasizing His promises, faithfulness, and provision.
1. Recognizing God as the Ultimate
Provider
A. God’s Sovereignty
Over Our Needs
- Matthew 6:31-33
reminds us not to worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear because our
heavenly Father knows our needs.
- Trust begins with acknowledging that God is fully aware of our circumstances.
B. God’s Faithfulness
in Provision
- Psalm 37:25:
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous
forsaken or their children begging bread."
- God's track record in providing is consistent throughout Scripture and in our lives.
C. Trusting God's Timing
- Ecclesiastes 3:1:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the
heavens."
- Financial breakthroughs often come in God's perfect timing, not ours.
2. Biblical Examples of Trusting God in
Financial Hardship
A. Elijah and the Widow
of Zarephath -1 Kings 17:7-16
- She was a woman of dire lack but believed God through Elijah's word.
- The response to that belief was supernatural provision through her obedience.
B. Feeding the Five
Thousand -John 6:1-14
- He takes the small offering brought before Him of five loaves and two fishes and multiplies them into feeding thousands.
- God can take a little we have and make it adequate.
C. The Apostle Paul's
Contentment (Philippians 4:11-13)
Paul
learned to be content in all circumstances, trusting Christ's strength in times
of need.
3. Practical Ways to Trust God During
Financial Difficulty
A. Seek God in Prayer
- Philippians 4:6-7:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
- Lay your financial burdens before God and trust Him to provide.
B. Meditate on God's
Promises
- Isaiah 41:10,
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your
God."
- Reminding yourself of His promises helps you engage your faith more.
C. Practice Gratitude
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ
Jesus."
- Gratitude places the orientation of lack on the blessings He has provided.
D. Be a Faithful
Steward
- Luke 16.10:
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with
much."
- Pay attention to your administration, even when it is little.
E. Step Out in Faith
- James 2.17:
"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
- Trust God through practical actions like budgeting, finding additional sources of income, or reducing spending.
4. Overcoming Fear and Anxiety in
Financial Hardship
A. Replace Fear with
Faith
- 2 Timothy 1:7:
"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power,
love, and self-discipline."
- Fear paralyzes while faith empowers us to move forward.
B. Confidence in God's
Sufficiency
- 2 Corinthians 9.8:
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all
times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
- God’s provision is not limited by our circumstances.
C. Focus on Eternal
Treasures
- Matthew 6:19-20
encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
- Financial difficulties remind us to prioritize eternal over temporary wealth.
5. Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness
A. Sharing Personal
Stories
- Reflect on times when God provided for you in unexpected ways.
- Testimonies strengthen your faith and encourage others.
B. Biblical Testimonies
- Abraham’s provision of a ram instead of Isaac (Genesis 22:13-14)
- God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness - Exodus 16:35.
6. Trusting God's Plan for Your Future
A. Trusting God to Open
Doors
Revelation 3:8:
"See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut."
God
has a plan to lead you out of financial difficulty.
B. Trusting God's
Purpose in Trials
Romans 8:28:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him."
Financial
trials may well hone your character and increase your dependency upon God.
C.
Standing Upon God's Promises of Abundance
John 10.10:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
God's
ultimate desire is for you to live an abundant life in Him.
Conclusion
It
is just not easy to trust God for our finances when all seems to be failing,
but it is necessary. He is our Provider, Sustainer, and Deliverer. As we learn
to trust Him, even in the most hopeless of circumstances, supernatural peace
and provision can be known.
Call to Action:
Commit
your financial struggles to God in prayer.
Trust
Him to provide in His perfect timing.
Share
your testimony of God's faithfulness to encourage others.
Closing Scripture:
"And
my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ
Jesus." -Philippians 4:19,
NIV
