Yesterday, Mo covered chap. 4.Today, I'm covering chap. 5.
Tomorrow, MeeGee's covering chap. 6
In chap. 5, Billy talks about resources--a subject that isn't exactly my forte. So I'll write it in 2 voices--obviously, deferring to Billy's voice for wisdom; but adding a lil of "Her" spin too...
Billy said:
"The bottom line is this: leaders, don't shy away from the resource challenge. Plunge into it. Learn from it. Let God stretch your faith because of it. And then, dream with me of the day when a river of resources will be pouring into local churches all around the world so that the work of God can flourish."
Her said:
Good word, Billy! Being married to the "finance guy," I've learned that there's never gonna be enough moo-lah. But I've also learned that as our leaders lose sleep, occasionally agonize & utterly depend on God for resources--it's made them pillars of faith. I imagine that God NOT giving our church all the resources we need has been one of our biggest banners of faith to a faith-deficit world.
Billy said:
"In Psalm 50:12 God himself says that 'the world is mine, and all that is in it.' God's resources, in other words, are unlimited."
Her said:
Tru dat, Billy! God's got unlimited resources for His church AND for us! But if He gave us everything we needed, everywhere, all the time--He'd be very sad because we wouldn't need Him. He loves--we trust--He provides.
Convo Question:
Why is it so hard to trust God with our resources or our need of them?
Good word, Billy! Being married to the "finance guy," I've learned that there's never gonna be enough moo-lah. But I've also learned that as our leaders lose sleep, occasionally agonize & utterly depend on God for resources--it's made them pillars of faith. I imagine that God NOT giving our church all the resources we need has been one of our biggest banners of faith to a faith-deficit world.
Billy said:
"In Psalm 50:12 God himself says that 'the world is mine, and all that is in it.' God's resources, in other words, are unlimited."
Her said:
Tru dat, Billy! God's got unlimited resources for His church AND for us! But if He gave us everything we needed, everywhere, all the time--He'd be very sad because we wouldn't need Him. He loves--we trust--He provides.
Convo Question:
Why is it so hard to trust God with our resources or our need of them?
13 Comments Here:
it's always been hard for me to trust God w/ our resources cuz I grew up w/ nothing. In a home on food stamps, living in a crappy apartment--I've been scarred that God might leave me hanging. It's a whacked perspective. Thankfully, God's given me a new one thru Raul, Pastor Troy and Flamingo.
God has such a sense of humor, truly. :o) He has seen me worry, cry, argue, and even have tantrums about finances and how bills would get paid or just how much food I would have to budget at the grocery store. In my heart: the fatith that He would provide. In my head: the worries of the world. Ultimately, once His promise was fulfilled and my prayers were answered, I envisioned Him sitting back in His big chair giggling like a parent who had just watched their child throw a tantrum. I could imagine Him saying, "Silly girl, are you finished whining yet? I told you I'd be there for you. Now clean up this mess and go to your room!" He is our father in Heaven, but he loves us like we are His children. I can imagine him shaking his head sometimes wondering, "what was she thinking"...So happy for those days when he puts us back in our place, THEN FORGIVES US NO MATTER WHAT WE'VE DONE. :O)
I have the nasty habit of looking at the world through earth-colored glasses; it's frustratingly difficult for me to take the long view on the resource issue, which is why this is a great chapter for us to be going over, in light of the state of the world right now.
That being said, I've been privileged enough throughout my life to see God come in with the necessary resources out of nowhere (those are the "everything glorious" moments where you are humbled that eyes as small as yours get to see God work the way He just did). I train myself (and continue to do so) to remember those when I'm tempted to freak out about what resources we may or may not have.
Thanks for the review HP! Liked the change of pace and style.
btw, it was totally my bad for not linking you yesterday. I fixed it now, which probably won't do a whole lot of good at this point, but I offer my humble apology all the same.
Wow, great job commenting on what Bill Hybels said. I agree, it is very tough to trust God sometimes with our resources, but if we can't trust God with them, then who could we trust them with? I agree with you that if we had all the things that we ever needed, then why would we feel the need for God. In the tough times, in the low times, in the times where we are at our worst... that's when God is nearest.
Ouch! hitting home on this one...(again)
Being out of work is crazy, and having no income with a family of 5 is nuts.
It is so easy for me to "say" I trust in Him to provide, but if that is the case what am I so freaked out about?!
Good question for me to continually ask myself.
Resources at home, at work, in church....all the same...we must be good stewards in planning, budgeting and spending.... and trust that HE is in control....
...the rest will fall into place
(he says with faith/hope).
And HER - I second MOs sentiments - love the switch up and style - thanks for BRINGING IT!!!
MVarca
It is important as leaders to be content and grateful with the resourcesGod has for you... not the resourcesod another church or another ministry team... God gives us exactly what we we need and what we can handle.... alway on time , never late.
Paul once again is a great example of a content leader...
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philipians 4
HP- bout ur format ... not sure that Dr. Hybels after 30 yrs of ministry research would appreciate the "Billy". But then again... you've probably earned the right for stalking him that long... ;)
Heredes
I think society has taught us to think in selfish terms. If we want something or need something, we have to do it for ourselves. Its been drilled into us by the media and others that say YOU have to provide for yourself, earn money, status or get rich. I think that's often times why we have such a hard time asking for help, in fear that it will somehow make us look weak.
I am working hard to trust that God will provide, because he(or she ;)) ALWAYS has. I remember sometimes being down to my last penny thinking "How am I going to put gas in my car to go to work?" and miraculously, I'm taken care of! I have never been abandoned!
It constantly amazes (and HUMBLES) me to watch the way God works (even when we are not the best followers of his commands)! It shows me what a deep love God has for us that he provides and is merciful even when we know we don't deserve it.
WOW :)
::Hope everyone has a wonderful day!::
Thanks "HER"
Resources can sometimes be so awkward and a source of tension. But like you said it should be our huge banner of faith especially during these very weird and uncertain times.
Michelle, CountryCuban, Mo, Varcas, Heredes, Lissete, Genie, --- great dialogue guys! Thx so much for swingin by and offering your diverse perspectives here. Its been really cool to hear where we all come from w/ this kinda stuff.
Heather, I also grew up in a struggling home. My mom was mom and dad and worked several jobs just to pay the bills (but somehow was always there when I needed her..not sure how she did that)Anyway, this turned me into a control freak and I decided long ago that I would not ever be in a situation that I didn't have everything I needed. Ever since I've been on my own, I made sure that my life was surrounded by what I thought was security. I've been overly self sufficient, have too much insurance and have always been afraid to depend on anyone including God. Thank goodness He has delivered me from a lot of my "stuff" by shooting all my ducks! I do still struggle with Him in the control area, but I am learning how to depend on Him more and more every day because I realize that He's the one who has supplied all my resources, NOT ME.
How freeing that has been for me!!!
Thanks for the review girlfriend.
You are so good at writing and keeping it fresh and different [everyone has done a great job so far- im getting nervous..lol].. Love the "Billy"..
I loved how Mo stated those "everything glorious moments". I know God has showed me how He truly stinkin' takes care of me- especially in finances... I'm just thinking of how He paid the way for my last semester of school through a great Gift Revolution from friends of ours.. $2,000 is a lot of money I didn't have... but God provided... same thing when i first started school.. He provided... Matthew 6 is what God gave me to hold on to in times of 'resources' needs... If He takes care of the birds--- Hello, how much more will He take care of us!!!
Also, I think sometimes when resources may be short... God allows for us to use our creativity to create something from not much $$... ;) That's how some artists created some of their best works.. didn't have enough money to paint on canvas.. so they found cardboard or other "garbage" to paint on :) cool huh?!
Thanks HP...
ahhhhh, nice spin on the bookstudy leadHer!
i think it's hard cause it's a challenge between what i see and what i don't see. i see the limited resources i have but i don't see the unlimited resources God has. fought that fight for a while then i got over it and trusted God completely with my finances, He comes thru everytime.
Jena, Marcy, Ann - 3 GREAT LEADHERS to wrap up this convo. Thx, guys, for depositing ur heart, wisdom & honesty here. Appreciate u
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