Backed Into A Corner
2 Principles I am learning regarding finances and ministry.
1. If we are obedient to God’s vision for our ministry, then we will always feel like we are being backed into a corner financially.
It’s just a spiritual reality. God’s vision is ALWAYS bigger than my budget. As a ministry leader, I’ve learned a couple of things. If I allow my budget to determine my vision, then I am listening to money, not God. Money is an intimidating obstacle for ministry success, and if we allow, it will restrict us. God is the opposite. He wants to encourage, comfort and set us free. I’m NOT saying a ministry leader should be careless with money. But I am saying that if it is God’s will, it is God’s bill. The king gets what the king pays for. So when I am listening to God for vision, I have to know that he will provide. Period.
On another note,
2. If we are disobedient to God financially, then we will always feel like we are being backed into a corner spiritually.
That’s a spiritual reality, too! God does not need our money. But he requires our obedience. And when we are not obedient to him in our finances, then we will find ourselves backed into a corner spiritually. If we are disobedient in the area of finances, then our church will not grow or accomplish the vision God has given us. However, when our church leadership, volunteers, and members are obedient to God in the SMALL things (tithing and generosity), then we will see an over abundance of resources to accomplish the LARGE vision that God has given us.
I don’t know about you, but I want to see God do something LARGE here in Apex!
2 Comments
How does this work out in the economy of God? Does he provide the financial resources prior to your action? Or, do you spend the money before God has provided the resources? Believing, in faith, that God will provide?
Too often leaders spend before provision. Then they find their ministry in debt. They find more and more pressure on raising money to service the debt.
Randy Alcorn has said that borrowing money to support your ministry (like building a facility) is not faith. It is greed and coveting. If God REALLY gave you a vision for your ministry…..He will also provide the $$$. I see churches who have taken out large loans and been crushed. I also see churches who have had their facilities given to them. The latter seem more content and reliant on God.
Where did he mention borrowing money?