Addressing the Scarcity Mindset

As Christians, we are called to steward natural provision with supernatural means. This means choosing to step out in faith for every single decision of our lives, even the daily minutia, and trusting that God will show up.  

This all sounds very wonderful and romantic until we are actually expected to execute this level of blind faith in the decisions that re

ally matter. When He’s called you not to work a certain job, but the bills are due and the end of the month is approaching. When you know he’s not the right guy but singleness is lonely, and he’s nice enough. When God is showing you it’s time to move but you love where you live and the unknown is scary. When he asks you to start tithing faithfully but you barely have enough to scrape by as it is. Faith hangs in the balance of these moments, where what he asks of us seems so far out of our reach. 

When the impossible is asked of us, I would petition you to consider the cost of disobedience. We build trust with God when we are quickly obedient to his instructions—and provision always follows. In my own life, the provision follows as quickly as my obedience did. Unfortunately my habits of procrastination and self-reliance has not served me well in the faith department, and I’ve delayed my own blessings time and time again. 

Scarcity affects the space between faith and action. Philippians 4:19 says, “and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  There are stories of not only provision, but abundance in the Bible. Jesus took a few loaves of bread and fish to feed 5000. Elisha multiplied the widow’s oil. Moses struck rocks and water poured out. As a child of God, you are not spiritually abandoned to nickel and dime your way through this life. If he dresses the lilies, how much more will he clothe the ones he paid the ultimate sacrifice for?

Give your time, obedience, efforts, energy, love, compassion and finances abundantly and watch how the Lord provides for you in return.