According to Harrisburg officials, the Incinerator debt is to blame for the financial crisis in Harrisburg, a crisis of bankruptcy. Many Harrisburg residents feel like victims. The question is: Why should they pay with increased taxes or some other “fix” for a problem they haven’t caused. On the other side of the issue, whose trash is it anyhow, and how else to dispose of it? No one seems to have the answers; but the questions never end.
Is there a lesson to be learned here? The economy issues surrounding us are numerous. Perhaps one of the greatest concerns to all of us is the rise in fuel costs. One of our residents, who work in a local Day Care program for children, has not received her full pay for two months and yet she faithfully shows up for work. The portion of her salary that she does receive does not begin to cover housing expenses or food for the table. The gasoline for her automobile to get to work has to be her first consideration, and for what? It definitely seems to be a no win situation for many. However, for the one who trusts in the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is another Source. There is a hope that goes beyond the circumstances of life.
A universal law, which has been in motion since the beginning of time, is given in the words of Jesus. "Give and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38). In a nutshell, this is God's law of supply.
In an overstressed economy, there is the danger that we become so conscious of our needs that we are blinded to the very secret of the replenishment of our resources. Although we are inclined to place the emphasis on the lack of material resources and the subsequent rise of prices, etc., the greater dilemma would be spiritual poverty.
The biblical account in I Kings, chapter 17 tells of a widow who seemingly had a similar problem as that referred to above. In fact, this widow’s situation was beyond recovery. She had one meal left in the larder. (The nerve of this prophet who would deprive her and her son of their last morsel of food, with no hope of a future supply.) When she was called upon to give the last of her bread, she quickly explained that she had but a handful of meal and but a little oil.
She made it clear to Elijah that after feeding herself and her son, she expected to die. It was then that Elijah taught her the law of supply, "Make me thereof a little cake first." She obeyed the word of the prophet, believing the promise of a plentiful supply.
We have a need to give, more especially when we are in need ourselves. Giving out of our abundance is no sacrifice and requires no faith. Giving in faith out of a condition of need opens the windows of heaven to us.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts (Malachi 3:10-12 KJV).
The storehouse is the place where we receive our spiritual food. If we do not have such a place of worship where we receive spiritual “food” it would be wise to correct that situation.
God is a God of abundance, and it is impossible to believe and obey God without receiving. As the widow gave her last meal, she realized the unfailing and unlimited supply of her Heavenly Father. In these days, when giving seems beyond our realm, it would be to our spiritual advantage at least, to heed the word of the Two Listeners who wrote in God Calling, When supply seems to have failed you, look around to see what you can give away. Give away something.
Consider subscribing to the author’s articles by clicking on the tab at the top of the article to receive e-mail notifications. It’s free.
Comments