When Retirement, Finances, and Faith Crash Head on by Debbie W. Wilson

When my friend Julia retired, her retirement, finances, and faith crashed head on. One of her two insulin medications jumped to over $900 copay for a three-month supply and the other to over $1000. If that happened to you, what would you do?

That situation tempted Julia to worry, but she embraced this as a faith challenge. God knew her needs. How would He supply? Should she try to help God out and lower her missionary support?

When Hunger, Finances, and Faith Crash

We all face problems that overwhelm our resources. In John 6:1-14,God used such an occasion not for the disciples to worry but to expand their faith.

“When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do” (John 6:5-6 NIV).

Since Jesus asked this only to test Philip, I wonder how He hoped Philip would respond.

I tried to imagine how faith might reply. I pictured Philip turning a puzzled face to Jesus, and as understanding dawned, saying with a twinkle, “What do You have in mind, Lord? Do I detect a miracle?”

However, the real Philip looked at the size of the crowd. Hunger, finances, and faith crashed head on.  And he said, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:7 NIV)

Since they couldn’t provide even a bite for each person, why consider supplying a meal? Even if they could buy that much food, how would they transport it? The situation was impossible.

Andrew showed a spark of faith. “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish,” then looked at the other disciples and realized how ridiculous he sounded, “but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:9).

The disciples couldn’t feed the crowd so, except for Andrew, they didn’t even look for options. When have you held back what you have because it wasn’t enough? Your finances and faith crashed head on.

But Jesus didn’t think Andrew was being silly. He took the boy’s lunch and told the disciples to have the people sit on the grass.

 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten” (John 6:11-13).

It’s natural to evaluate a need in light of our resources. But God wants us to evaluate needs in light of His resources.

Julia mentioned her retirement to her doctor who supplied her with free insulin for two years. When the doctor was unable to continue, Julia asked me and our friends to pray with her about this.

In the meantime, Julia added two more missionaries to her charitable giving. She texted Debbie. The pharmacy charged her $5.00 for one of the insulins! “I can pay for that!” she said. “I will get a prescription for the more expensive one when I see the doctor. So, what else will God do?”

What problem dwarfs your human resources? For a related post, read http://www.YvonneOrtega.com/are-you-free-really-free

We can focus on our lack, or we can bring Jesus what we have, thank Him for it, and watch Him work. Lord Jesus, help us live with the joyful anticipation that comes from abiding in You. 

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

Debbie W. Wilson

About the Author:

Drawing from her walk with Christ, and years as a Christian counselor, coach, and Bible teacher, Debbie W. Wilson helps people give themselves a break and live in God’s grace so they can enjoy fruitful and satisfying lives.She is the author of Little Women, Big God and Give Yourself a Break. Her latest book, Little Faith, Big God, is to be released February 2020. She and her husband Larry founded and run Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit counseling, coaching, and Bible study ministry. She is an AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) certified speaking and writing coach. Debbie enjoys a good mystery, dark chocolate, and the antics of her two standard poodles. Refresh your faith with free resources at debbieWwilson.com.