By Ray Lynch
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1
Three times in my life I have been in life threatening situations, but survived. One of those times was in 1964 when I was driving on a 55 mph highway near my hometown. High winds and a farmer plowing his field adjacent to the highway had created a full-blown dust storm. One minute I was enjoying the beautiful sunny day, and the next I was driving through a dust storm that was so thick I couldn’t see the front of the car. This zero visibility went on for about 15 very long seconds. Since I had quickly reduced my speed to about 30 mph, I estimate that I travelled nearly the length of three football fields before seeing daylight again. If I remember correctly, it took another 15 seconds for my heart to start up again.
What do you do when the financial dust storms hit in your life? When your income drops by 60 percent because of a job loss, or a serious medical issue leaves you with a mountain of bills, what do you do? Do you become anxious and make panic-induced decisions? Or do you turn to God and prayer? I had been told to slow down, but not stop, if I ever encountered a blackout situation and, therefore, I didn’t panic and slam on my brakes. Too often people do panic and make bad decisions during these storms, often making their situation worse.
King David wrote, “My souls waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2) God wants us to make financial plans and to live on a budget, but even with the best plans, financial dust storms occur. And when these storms occur, God wants us to trust and rely on Him to see us through. In fact, He wants that same dependence on Him when the sun is shining. So plan diligently, but trust God completely.
