[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during September 2025]
“Don’t take from next month what belongs to next month”[1]
These words were spoken by Grace Makutsi, a character in the series of books by Alexander McCall Smith under the general title of “The No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”. The principle contains a certain amount of wisdom but is it practical?
We live in an age when it is not just our wants that tempt us into debt but in many cases our needs force us there. For many households the traditional home-maker role has been superseded by the need for a second-income earner. Perhaps it is no longer possible to live in the ‘here and now’.
The context of our opening words is not just financial. Surely we can see a spiritual application. Like the younger heir in the parable of the Prodigal Son we too can become impatient whilst waiting for blessings. So often we can be tempted to pray: “Lord grant me the gift of patience – and please hurry”.
The template prayer that Jesus taught his disciples includes the line: “give us this day our daily bread”. The Old Testament account of the Israelites migrating through the desert gives a practical example of this need being resolved:
The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.
Exodus 16 v35 [NIVUK]
The same chapter gives examples of those who disobeyed the instruction to collect the manna according to their daily needs. There was no manna on the Sabbath so those who failed to collect enough on the previous day went hungry whilst, conversely, those who tried to stockpile in excess of their usual daily need were also disappointed.
We can see several lessons in this chapter of Exodus, most prominently to learn to trust in God’s provision and his timing. The oft-quoted verse from Isaiah comes to mind:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40 v31 [NIVUK]
This verse and others like it can often feel like unhelpful platitudes for those who feel that they are lacking essential resources. Yet could it be that the Lord allows, or even initiates, periods of austerity for our benefit? Consider these words spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten – the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm – my great army that I sent among you.
Joel 2 v25 [NIVUK]
It is often the case that we draw closer to God in times of difficulty rather than in times of abundance. As our circumstances improve – and it may take some time – we need to ensure that we do not lose that closeness. As usual, the apostle Paul has some advice for us:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4 v6 [NLT]
References:
[1] ‘The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection’ page 25, via Kindle
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Last week’s reflection: Skilful Investment
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Just wanted to say thanks for your faithfulness and diligence in writing these devotionals. May God continue to grant you wisdom. The bit in the current devotional about us being drawn closer to God in times of difficulty is worth remembering.