Ask God about your priorities during Hard Times

Introduction:
One of the most difficult and complex tasks of the preacher is not that of understanding the scripture from which he gives the lesson. If he is honest and a true expositor of the Word, he will find, after prayer and study, the meaning of the text he is reading. This part of his sermon is very straightforward. Then, he finds, he must be aware of the times and culture in which he and the congregation lives, and how he must apply this text to real lives and situations.

A sermon on finances can quickly become a sermon on tithing. The text will begin in the book of Malachi. The congregation is warned about robbing from God. Is this all the Bible has to say about God and money? Did the people of Bible times suffer through a recession, depression, unemployment, loss of home, cars, or health insurance? “Health insurance,” you may exclaim. They didn’t have health insurance in Bible times. Many people would say that to be a very foolish statement.

The financial worries of the present are no more difficult than those of the past. Worries over making the utility payments are no more real than the concern over finding wood to heat the house during first century AD. Food cost money then as it does now. How a family can afford school clothes is no more a problem than being able to cloth children back then. The hard times of the present have been endured before. The last century presented the world with the “Great Depression.” In many lives, this recession is just as much of a depression now. In fact, these times are not unique to us; neither will they ever come again.

So the question presented today is not just one of asking God to give us more money. Many promises can and will be made to God. If you get me out of this slump, Father, I will give you a portion of what I have back to you. This is an easy promise to make, but a difficult vow to keep.

In this text, there can be found three steps toward understanding how God desires us to PREORITIZE our lives in financially difficult times.

I. We must REALIZE that our Priorities are wrong.
“To get all we can, can all we get, then sit on the can”, may be first in our thoughts. It is last in God’s


Luke 12:13 Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me."
14 Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?"
15 Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own."
16 And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops.
17 In fact, his barns were full to overflowing.
18 So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything.
19 And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!'
20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?'
21 "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

II. We must EMPHASIZE the true Priorities
The things we worry about will wear out. God’s priority for us is eternity.

22 Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life-- whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear.
23 For life consists of far more than food and clothing.
24 Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!
25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not!
26 And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
27 "Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
29 And don't worry about food-- what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you.
30 These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs.
31 He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
32 "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
33 "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe-- no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.

III. We must PRIORITIZE our Priority of service
In these hard times, we can not let our worries about financial hardship derail the most important priority of our saved life. Serving the one who served us by giving all He had.
34 Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.
35 "Be dressed for service and well prepared,
36 as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.
37 There will be special favor for those who are ready and waiting for his return. I tell you, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!
38 He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, there will be special favor for his servants who are ready!
39 "Know this: A homeowner who knew exactly when a burglar was coming would not permit the house to be broken into.
40 You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
41 Peter asked, "Lord, is this illustration just for us or for everyone?"
42 And the Lord replied, "I'm talking to any faithful, sensible servant to whom the master gives the responsibility of managing his household and feeding his family.

In Conclusion:

Let me paraphrase the last part of the above text with a few QUESTIONS.

· Is money a priority to God?
· Does He worry about it?
· Does God love animals and flowers more than He loves His children?
· Has God ever, ever, ever, failed you?
· Could your problem just be one of Priorities?


The quickest way to not become depressed over the depression, recede into gloom of recession, or bail-out to your responsibility of service is to Turn to the Father in trust. Trust for salvation, then trust for life will get us past the recession to the reception of the Son when He returns.

Nothing ever surprises my heavenly Father. His priority will get us home.