VATIC Expressions
Truth, Transparency, Transformation
Asking God for Money
by Laura Frohmader
Note: (I initially wrote this article in the 80’s. Today I do boldly ask God for money once in a while, but back then it was a new concept for me in my relationship with my Creator.)
Never in my wildest dreams would I think to ask God for money. I trust that He will sustain me financially. He has promised, “Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the Lord of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.” (Malachi 3:10). He also tells us not to worry. “So don’t worry, saying ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:31-33). There was a time when I wanted something I knew I did not have the money for. I prayed, and God’s answer was true to His mysterious ways.
As a Sunday School teacher, I attended the Sunday School staff meetings to learn more about the stories I would be teaching God’s children. We had a vacancy pastor who conducted meetings with a different source of Scripture than I had ever seen before called “The People’s Bible.” Even though several books had been in print for a few years already, I hadn’t been introduced to them. The commentary in these books is an excellent tool for the Holy Spirit to help people better understand what is written in the Bible. “The People’s Bible” is great for personal Bible study and it helped me to learn more about the stories I was teaching. I wanted to buy these books to learn more, but my income was limited. I was working part-time and the money I made was just enough to pay my bills with very little, if any, left over. God was teaching me to trust Him for the right amount each week to meet my needs, so I knew I wouldn’t have an additional $100 to buy the books. Yet, I wanted these books for the strengthening of my spiritual health, so I boldly and humbly prayed, “Dear God, if it is Your will, I would like to buy “The People’s Bible” for the strengthening of my faith so that I may serve You better to Your glory. If it is Your will that I have these books, I pray that I would have enough money by the end of the month. Not as I will, as You will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
During this I was working at the front desk of a small motel. The office was attached to the manager’s home, so not only did I answer phones and check-in customers, I babysat the manager’s 5 children when the parents were gone. Several days after I prayed for money, the children were in a bus accident. One of them, Steve, ended up in the hospital. Up until then I had worked 15 – 20 hours per week. Since the parents wanted to spend as much time as possible with Steve, I was asked to work from 8am – 11pm until he was out of the hospital. I immediately thought of my prayer and knew I would have more than enough money to buy these books. I was worried though, wondering why God had brought about a crisis to answer my prayer.
As the week went on, the answer to my question became clear. The people I worked for were “un-churched” Christians who had once been regular church attendees. I had talked to the family a few times about God, but now the Holy Spirit was opening a big door. With their brother in the hospital, the children asked questions about God and if Steve would be alright. I had many opportunities to share God’s word with them and time to pray with them individually as I put them to bed, encouraging them to continue to pray on their own. It was awesome seeing the Holy Spirit at work. My faith was strengthened, too, as I realized God had answered “yes” to my prayer and put me to work for His glory at the same time.
Steve recovered from his injuries and I bought “The People’s Bible.” Several months later the family started attending church regularly. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
May this article bless you and the Holy Spirit speak to you of His Truth.
All Bible quotes are from the Holmen Christian Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
© 2018 Laura Frohmader