Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Hint fiction is a genre of writing that uses 25 words or fewer to create a story that often has more complexity at its core. For example:
She had six potatoes, two onions, and ketchup. A little oil and salt brought it together. She watched her four kids eat. Her water sufficed.
That story describes part of my childhood before my mom fell ill. We were impoverished, but we weren’t without. Mom used to say, “We might not have much, but we still have plenty.” I never understood that, but I knew enough to realize her strength was special—“always that needed smile” when it mattered most (“Sadie” by The Spinners).
Deuteronomy 8:3
Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
James 1:2-4
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Our circumstances of poverty, whether financial, relational, or physical, are almost always due to worldly reasons. However, we often think it’s because God doesn’t care or can’t help us. We resent the good things we see God do for others and come to the conclusion that we are better off on our own because we think God abandoned us during our storm.
Last weekend, we were reminded that God’s word is beneficial and can help sustain us during times of poverty. Experience has taught me that God shows up repeatedly.
During those difficult times, Mom sent us to church, read her Bible, and prayed. Over time, I came to understand that her strength came from her faith. We had plenty—because God walks with us, not against us.
The more I learn about God’s written word, the more I realize the Bible offers a plethora of riches for those who need a hand up during seasons of any type of poverty. It’s available to all who seek God’s Word.
Questions:
Have you battled, or are you battling, a season of poverty? How did you navigate it? Did you lean on God, or did you try to do it on your own?
Next Steps:
Go to the “Featured” section on the CedarCreek app to learn four ways to study Scripture. Join a Group that focuses on Bible study.
Prayer:
I know my best days are because you are with me, and I’m blessed that you hold me up during my worst days. I pray that I’m never too arrogant to believe I don’t need you every hour of the day. You are the only light that can extinguish any darkness that crosses my path. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 14:26
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.