YOUR FINANCIAL STRUGGLES - DOES GOD CARE?

By Billy Graham

We're really struggling financially, and it's all I can think about. My wife still has a part-time job, but I lost my job a couple of months ago and I just can't find anything. We pray and pray, but nothing happens. I'm beginning to wonder if God even cares. — N.McC.

I want to assure you that God does care - and the reason is because He loves you, and He wants what is best for you. Don't give up, and don't lose your trust in Him. God's promise is for you: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11).

Does this mean God always answers our prayers the way we want Him to?

No, not necessarily. Many in our nation are facing hard times right now, and my heart goes out to people like you who are struggling financially and can't see the end of the tunnel. More than ever, we need to pray for our leaders, that God will give them wisdom as they attempt to deal with this economic crisis.

But even when we can't see the answer, God has not abandoned us. Hard times - of any kind - should bring us closer to God, not away from Him. Make Christ the center of your life, and ask God to bring your family together and not let worry and stress overcome you. Thank God every day for the blessings He does give you, and ask Him to draw you closer to Christ.

In addition, ask God to show you any new steps He might have you take - job retraining, volunteer work, even starting your own business. The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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