“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
In 2008, during my time in Bible College, I learned a wonderful lesson in hope and faith within the area of finance.
During that time a friend of mine had been struggling to sleep because of noisy neighbours. She didn’t have enough money to buy what she needed to fix the issue so instead she borrowed £600 from her uncle. Along with praying for my friend’s finances, I was also asking God if He would provide money for my next car payment, presents for my family for Christmas and the train ticket I needed to go back home for the holidays. Financially I was in a desperate place, but I decided to bring it before God. Through the tears, I asked in faith – declaring that everything belongs to God. He is Lord over everything and my heart was to seek first the Kingdom. I surrendered everything I told Him that I did not know how He was going to do it, but believed that He was able.
The following week someone came and asked me for my bank details. My Bible College sponsor had apparently over paid my fees – so there was an immediate £750 deposit into my account! I was absolutely amazed and in awe. God had heard my prayer and responded.
After spending some of the money, I soon remembered the prayer I prayed for my friend and realised that I was meant to give her the money. After this, I received a text from that same friend asking if she would be able to borrow £250 from me as her uncle needed back some of the money she owed him. I decided to give her £500! At first she was reluctant to receive such a large amount of money without having to repay it but I was happy to be in a position to help her. After all, God is an abundant God.
Fast forward a few days and I had just £62 left in my bank account. I was meeting someone for coffee in the afternoon, I thought to just give £60 for the tithes and offerings that Sunday. However, that night, I read in the book Seed Faith by Oral Roberts about a man who only had about £55 and gave it all away in the offering; he knew he would be blessed. Coincidence? God was talking to me. That Sunday I gave away the full £62. The rest of the day I questioned if what I had done was right. My mind was waging war and it was a constant battle to keep speaking scripture and trusting God. I did not tell anyone I had given my money away because I was not going to beg. I had no ticket to go home, no money to meet my friend for a coffee and no money for food. Maybe I made a huge mistake?
On Monday morning, at Bible College, we began the day by reading Philippians 4:19.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”
When I heard these words I sat up in my chair. God said that he would provide enough for each day; just like the Israelites trusted God for fresh mana each day, I could trust Him too! I focused on God. I focused on expectant hope; that I will receive because it is available. I did not know how but I believed that God could do it.
The encouragement just kept on coming. By the middle of the week, another lecturer testified about trusting God with his finances. During his time on Bible College God had asked him to pay for the college fees of all those in his class, except his own. He also had to trust God with his fees and God provided! He shared a picture of a trapeze artist who swings through the air, from bar to bar; it requires unrelenting faith for the in-between stage after letting go. Complete trust had to be in the catcher. Jesus is the faithful catcher. I listened intently and my heart was greatly encouraged.
In the days ahead, I was amazed to see God’s provision unfold as I trusted Him. Each day He provided exactly what I needed, including my £90 train ticket! No one knew, but God used His people, who were sensitive to His voice. When I returned home I wanted to go Christmas shopping to get gifts for my family. When checked my bank account to view how much I had, left and I noticed £700+ in my bank account! It was as if the money I gave away had never left! I stared at my bank balance in complete amazement. I hadn’t anticipated that extra miracle – a tax rebate – at just the right time- with some pay from my job at Kairos! Most of the money was from the tax-rebate.
God is the hope giver and the faithful catcher – He is true to His word.
Whatever your situation or circumstance, be encouraged as you continue to steward your resources with wisdom and put your trust in Him and “May the God of hope fill you with all hope…” (Romans 15:13).
If you would like to discover more about the transforming power of hope in Jesus you can head to our Instagram page to watch our series on Hope with Roger Aubrey.
