Monday, May 19, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 21

God calls us to give him every part of our lives, including our vocation and finances. But trusting God can feel scary and rattle our presumed security. I was often guilty of trying to handle everything on my own, doing my best with what I had. That’s not trust.

Real trust is built on how well we personally know someone - not just know about them. When we struggle to rely on God in the important areas of our lives, it forces us to ask: 

How well do I know God? 

Jesus once told his followers a story about a master who gave his servants money to invest while he was away. The first two servants grew their investments. 

Matthew 25:23
“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”

However, the third servant didn’t trust the master, so he hid the money away out of fear. 

Matthew 25:26-27
“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’”

I want to hear “well done,” but I also fear being “wicked and lazy!” For thirty years, I made my career my identity, rather than my place in God’s family. 

However, God doesn’t care about the job, he cares about the purpose for which he created us! Though my life and purpose might not make sense through a worldly view, God has made them a beautiful part of the story he is telling. When I’m focused on God’s story for my life, I’m thoughtful to show up at work differently. That shift in perspective changes how I approach even the most ordinary moments.

When you’re at work, are you at your best? 

Does your performance honor God, or does it line your pocketbook? The money we make is worthless to God. Instead, he wants us to show up purposefully, seeking ways to glorify him and grow his kingdom. 

The Bottom Line: Stewardship turns God’s temporary resources into eternal investments. 

When we work and use our resources in ways that honor God, we are able to make an eternal difference. That’s how God’s economy works. 

Questions:
Who do you consider to be your employer? How are you using the resources you’ve been given? Do you think you’re a good steward? 

Next Steps:
Check with Guest Services at your Campus or watch for the Summer Groups directory to open on May 31 and search for a Financial Peace University group at CedarCreek. 

Prayer: 
Father, thank you for providing for and blessing the work of my hands. Thank you for giving my life purpose. Strengthen my faith in your plan for me, and guide me in stewardship. Change my heart to work for eternal investments. I give all the glory and honor to you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This post was written by Julie Estep, a Perrysburg attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut