Thinking of India today. There are so many needs– so many with legitimate needs and we aren’t able to help. Grace’s granddaughter is in the hospital with an infected kidney. They need money for medicines. Uma and Sampath live in a home that could literally fall down at any time. One more rainstorm could do it. So many children don’t go to school because there isn’t money to pay for a private school and the government schools don’t function.
All of these needs moved my thoughts to what I can do when there isn’t enough. What does God want us to do? I came up with four things– really four ways to think when we perceive we don’t have what we need. What do you think? Can you add to the list?
- Tighten our belts: Often when I think I need something new I can take a closer look and decide to do without it. Not medicines, but maybe eating out less to save grocery money or wearing that old pair of tennis shoes another six months. And in this category I add giving and receiving, because that’s the way the Kingdom works. I can share with others and when I need, I can ask.
- Water the Soup: I can actually use less. Consume less, want less. When I look at the housing in India, even for those who are middle class or better, I realize I have standards that most of the world can’t even imagine. My home is a palace by their standards. I live in the lap of luxury every day without fully realizing it.
- Re-evaluate my priorities: What really matters? Maybe it’s time to be even more generous to others and cut back on spending on myself. Or, a la Dave Ramsey, maybe it’s time to make a strict budget and actually follow it. What is God saying? In third world countries people have to make hard choices every day of their lives. Who eats? Who doesn’t? Who has a roof over their heads and who doesn’t? In that light my choices seem very lightweight.
- Trust God. This one should actually come first. When I can’t find any way to solve Grace and Uma’s problems, I still turn to God and ask. Meet their needs, Lord. Give them the things they need. End the suffering, give them food, a home and the healthcare they need. Will you join me in prayer for our loved ones in India? And will you think about what is “enough” in your life?
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I remember a time when there was nothing for dinner. It was the day before payday, and the cupboards were bare. Well, there was one thing–a jar of home-canned salmon, a gift from friends. I tested the seal, and it was broken. I tossed the salmon and started praying. Within a few minutes, the phone rang. It was a couple new to my church, calling with an invitation to dinner. What a faith builder! I guess that may have been the first step in learning to pray first and worry later. Or not at all.
I realize our years of financial struggle don’t begin to compare with the poverty people experience throughout the world, but the lessons I learned during those hard times ring true for all people: pray, trust God and share with others.
I know. It’s so overwhelming