The Love of God in the Midst of Financial Difficulties
by Greg Wright, April 24, 2004

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." Mark 10:21 (NKJV)

The focus of this passage is the glory of God in salvation--that while salvation is unobtainable through the merits of men, God alone makes salvation possible.

However, there is another point to this passage, a secondary point, that is, nevertheless, of great encouragement to those experiencing financial difficulties--the beginning of this verse: "Jesus, looking at him, loved him."

How easy it is to doubt the love of God during adversity:

  • When a home is leveled by the forces of wind, forces that God clearly controls.
  • When a career ends abruptly with a pink slip.
  • When the car breaks down, and there is not enough money in the checking account to pay for repairs.
  • When the physician gives bad news and recommends treatment that in a few months will devastate savings accumulated over a lifetime.

Many misunderstand financial reversals to reveal the judgment of God. Certainly, it can mean that. However, the above verse makes it clear that this is not always the case. Even if financial difficulties do arise from the chastening hand of God, it is, nevertheless, a loving hand. For God knows what is best. Jesus knew what was best for the rich young ruler.

Indeed, God is worthy of our unconditional trust. Many trust the God of Luck: the God of Chance. They refer to other people as lucky. However, the God of the Bible is the God who is always at work in the circumstances of men--the God who is near.

In the assembly of heaven, it will be easy and natural to praise God, whereas here, surrounded by many sorrows, praise is often exercised solely by force of will.

Yet, God is worthy of this kind of praise. I believe that the praise to God that rises above our difficulties and is exercised in spite of them shall transcend time, itself: it shall remain when our final work on this earth is done, and it shall glorify God for all eternity.

We only have one life--one opportunity--to glorify God in the midst of suffering. Seize it for the glory of God!

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