There are two things that are constant in our lives: problems and solutions to those problems.  We can’t get away from problems but we can learn how to handle them with the Word of God and be over-comers.  In some cases we can even avoid some problems.

In the area of finances, we can avoid being in debt by living on a budget for our income and not over-spending.  Oh there may be times when emergencies arise that our budget gets a little out of control for a short time, but even in those cases, if we are diligent to obey the Word of God, He will bring us out of those problems.  Let’s face it we all need finances to maintain a home and family.  The actual cost may be vary from family to family regarding the amount we pay for rent or the house payment; or how much we owe on a vehicle or if we own it.  The cost of groceries and clothing will vary too; and then other differences arise when considering health problems etc.  Regardless of whether we are dealing with just everyday living responsibilities or emergencies, when we go to God for wisdom and direction He will help us through every situation.

Think about it, most of us would never think of buying a car and never read the handbook produced by the manufacturer.  But many people do this very thing by never reading the Bible, or reading it very little; never learning who God is and what He has given us in Jesus.  The Bible is God’s manufacturer’s book for His people.  He created us and knows how we are to function in our spirit, our soul, and our body. We should read the Bible, know it, and live by it.

A basic truth is that as children of God we must have knowledge of God’s Word and we must act accordingly to His Word for His Word to help us.

Two Scriptures came to mind as I was thinking about all of this. The first one is Hosea 4:1 and 6 where we are told several things:

1. Israel was told to hear the word of the Lord.
2. The Lord had a controversy with them (meaning there was a clash of opposing views).
3. There was no knowledge of God in the land; they had forgotten him and did not pass onto the next generation(s) knowledge of him.
4. God’s people were destroyed because of this lack of knowledge of God, and because they rejected this knowledge.

We must hear His Word to have knowledge of His Word.  When we lack knowledge of the Word of our Creator then we do not know who we are or what belongs to us; or how to get, receive and maintain what belongs to us.  To make a short interjection here: it all comes by faith in God’s Word.  Salvation comes by faith.  Healing comes by faith. Prosperity comes by faith. Giving and trusting God for provisions and directions also come by faith.  We need to remind ourselves that we must have knowledge of God and His Word and not reject Him.  We must accept His Word by believing it and living according to it.

The second Scripture that comes to mind is Second Chronicles 7:14 which to me is the solution to the problem and actually every problem.  This verse tells us, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”.  Several things we must take note of:

1. As God’s children we are humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face, and
2. We are to turn from our wicked ways.
3. In response to our obedience to do the first part of the verse, God promises to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal us – and our land.

The process here is when those who are called by His Name seek God and humble themselves to obey Him; it affects everything in our lives, individually, and also our nation.  This is really talking about submission to God; and not to be being prideful or haughty in our own ways.  First Peter 5:6 says to, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.  This means to submit to His Word; to agree with it, and when we do He exalts us.

When we submit to His Plan of Salvation by receiving and confessing that Jesus is Lord, then God exalts us by receiving us into His Family and makes us joint-heirs with Jesus (John 10:10, Romans 8:17).

When we submit to the truth of God’s plan for good health that by the “stripes on Jesus back we are healed”, then God exalts us by healing our bodies (Isaiah 53:3-5, 1 Peter 2:24). We also see in Third John 1:2 that when our soul prospers our health prospers.  Our soul is our mind and emotions and our soul prospers by renewing our mind to the Word of God (Romans 12:2).

When we submit to His financial plan of giving and receiving; (giving our tithe to the church we attend), then God opens the windows of heaven and pours onto us blessings (Malachi 3:10).  We honor God when we give to His House.  We also learn from Proverbs 3:9-10 that when we give offerings (these are different from our tithe), then God gives us increase.  The promise is that when His House is full then our house will be full.   Sounds like a good financial investment and return to me!

I trust that this lesson is a blessing to you.  As you search your heart, and pray for the solutions to any problems you might be facing, know that God’s Word has the answers you need for decisions.   Have a great week.