Five Reasons Good People May Have Financial Problems
2 Kings 4:1-7 tells the story of a godly family that encountered serious financial problems. If God has promised to provide for his people, then why would his followers sometimes experience lack? The fact is God’s people don’t always realize the blessing God has for them. Often, there are things we need to do in order to align ourselves with God’s provision.
If you are in financial difficulty, the first thing you need to do is discover what God is saying to you. You have to find out the cause of the problem so you can respond properly. Here are five reasons you may be experiencing financial problems:
1. Bad financial decisions.
Financial difficulties can come to good people when they violate Biblical principles. You may be a very good Christian. You may love God with all your heart. But if you violate God’s principles, you will suffer financial hardship. The truth of God’s Word applies to all, and financial problems can happen to anyone – even the godly.
In the case of the widow woman, we see that her husband had made bad financial decisions while he was alive. This woman and her children were now suffering the consequences. The man had borrowed too much money, and he had debts he could not pay. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Also, her husband did not leave any inheritance for his children and his widow. 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”
If you’ve made wrong financial decisions, ask the Lord to forgive you. Change your ways today and obey his word.
2. Test of faith.
The woman’s faith was tested – and when she passed the test, she was blessed. She was rewarded for her own faith.
All of us will have our faith tested. James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Her husband may have been a man of faith, but she had to have her own faith too. Your pastor has faith – but you must have it too. Your parents may have faith – but you must have it too. You can’t ride on someone else’s faith. You have to develop your own.
This woman had faith – that’s why she called on Elisha. That’s why she turned to the Lord and obeyed him. But God wanted to increase her faith. So he tested it and gave it a chance to grow.
Because she grew her faith she was now able to live as a widow and succeed. When Elisha told her – “go and live off the proceeds” it referred to more than the money she earned. He was also telling her go and live off the proceeds of her increased faith.
If your faith is being tested today, hold on and believe God! His answer for your need is on the way.
3. Testimony to others.
Think of the impression this event made on her two sons. Think of how they must have grown up in faith. Think of the godly heritage laid out for her children.
When you are passing through a trial, always remember that others are watching you. You never know the impact your life may make on someone else who sees your trouble and sees you trusting God through it all. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
That’s why he uses our mess to give us a message. It’s only when we pass a test that we have a testimony.
Her story inspires us today! Think of the reward she continues to receive in heaven because of all the good her faith has accomplished. Don’t be discouraged. The battle you are encountering today will strengthen someone else tomorrow.
4. Correction of attitudes or actions.
When Elisha asked the woman, “What do you have?” she answered, “Nothing.”
There was a negative attitude in her that was hindering her blessing. She had to see that she DID indeed have something. This represents an attitude of gratitude.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We all have something God has given us. God has given us some things we may not recognize which can in fact be a source of help to us. Ask God to use financial troubles to open your eyes to see overlooked sources of income or success. Thank him for all you do have.
5. Fellowship with others.
We all need other godly people in our lives to help us on our journey. God sometimes uses financial troubles to help us realize our need for the family of God. This widow woman needed the godly counsel and prayers of Elisha the prophet. She also needed the support of her neighbors, from whom she borrowed empty vessels.
Proverbs 15:22 tells us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” If you are in financial trouble today, seek the prayer and advise of your pastor or a godly counselor. Let the church know your need, and grow stronger in unity and love by supporting each other.