The Dotted Line
Earlier this week during my morning bible reading, I had one of those divine experiences. Scripture sprang off the page at me. God took a bold highlighter, stroked my Bible and the passage rose up then stuck in my head. But why?
Joshua 9:14 The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. 15 Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
You may know from my profile at Laced With Grace, I worked in corporate America for twenty-three years. I was banker. I started as a teller years ago. I applaud all tellers. They have the most difficult job in the entire bank.
For more than half my banking career I worked as a commercial loan officer. One highlight of lending was loan document day. A business owner arrived in my office to sign on the dotted line. There were handshakes, smiles, and congratulations all around! I shared in their excitement. It was a day of new adventure and great accomplishment. A new loan provided the means for company to expand or to invest thereby benefiting their customers, employees, and the community in general. Working in this profession was extremely gratifying.
However, there were times when I would counsel a customer in a dire situation. They overcommitted themselves and were unable to pay their monthly payments. They were in trouble. Sometimes carelessness landed them in my office. Sometimes it was simply unforeseen circumstances. Most often, the customer simply took on too much debt. I saw a lot of “keeping up with the Joneses†throughout the years.
A little over three years ago I retired from banking. Relying on my husband for my total support and provision was an enormous step of faith. It was difficult to give up control and self-sufficiency. I went from Nine West to Payless, from suits to sweats. Our spending and lifestyle change was drastic. Today we live on a stern budget.
This brings me back to Joshua. The people of God….did not inquire of the LORD. The Israelites signed a document God would not have approved. The document was binding. God was not happy about this. He knew this misstep would eventually prove harmful to His people. The evil practices of the native people would eventually infiltrate His people and draw them away.
A few minutes after reading this scripture this thought came to me. If I consulted God about all the contractual agreements I sign, it is likely I would sidestep financial mistakes. Specifically, I mean ALL contractual agreements not just loan documents. I started thinking about the contracts I signed recently: $275 carpet cleaning, $300 fence painting, plus the cost of paint, $45 credit card purchase, $39 monthly flute rental…. etc. etc. etc.
Is this suggestion ridiculous? Who would bother God with seemingly small details? Yet, God wants our details. Our best interest is precisely His desire. Nothing less.
Something to think about!
Lord, our best interest is your hearts desire. You want our details, our problems, missteps, and struggles as well as our achievements, accomplishments and successes. Teach us Lord to ask You about the details of our spending. In Jesus name, Amen.
I want God in total control of my life, including my finances. He is my all in all.
I want to live like that. It seems impossible somehow, but I know He knows best. Thanks Lynn.
Lynn I love how you made that verse come alive and I love your anaology!!!
Very true Lynn. In fact, that reminds me that when hubby and I payed bills yesterday we forgot to pray over it first. We are still learning to do this. GRadually He is removinfg our debt, but not too fast–just as He did not remove the nations in Cannaan out of Isreael’s way but gradually, lest the wild animals take ove and the people not learn to fight for their land. WOW. I just got it–must go tell hubby who was rather downtrodden about our finances. God is so GOOD!
Again, a beautiful and timely post. I’m in the middle of some decision-making time and I do NOT want to make them without his signoff! ((hugs))
I have struggled with this for years. I give it all to God each time I am reminded that material wealth is what I want , not what I NEED. I trust God will give me all I NEED. He knows best. Hi Lynn-Love Ya
Thank you for the new perspective that we are signing contracts with every purchase we make, and we need to inquire of the Lord.
I needed that today.
Hi Lynn,
Money can be such a sensitive and painful subject. It can also be one of those little day to day things that we may not discuss with God. I’ll tell you though, since I have grown in my faith, I don’t buy as much as I did before. Now when I am out, I gave serious consideration to the question do I need it or what it? God Bless you…
Hi,Lynn,
Thank you very much for yoru sharings.
The people of God….did not inquire of the LORD. I think that I should learn to be the people of God. Though every time I tell to myself and others that I of course is the God’s Child, in fact, I often inquire of the Lord about WHY, WHEN, WHERE. Then it is really should be a time for me to be HIS people.
May Lod lead all of his children to be his people.
Oh, yes spending is really in issue in today’s society, isn’t it? We buy what we can’t really afford. We have seen it on the housing-market here in Arizona. People over-commit themselves and don’t look down the road…Sadly, their homes are being foreclosed.
We really need to think about the resources the Lord gives us and spend them wisely.
Blessings to you and yours, Lynn.
Boy, did that hit home. I Know that He wants us to pray about everything. Somehow this slips my mind when I am shopping. Last night J & I bought a new refrigerator. Now this wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. We’ve been talking about this for 3 years and agreed to do so recently. We had been to Home Depot and then online to compare what we wanted, what we needed and the best thing to do. Although, I haven’t specifically asked for the Lord’s guidance in this, I have asked for His leaderchip and discernment in my financial matters. I feel like he has just slapped my wrist for not praying about the purchase last night. Thanks for this post, He spoke straight to me through it.