John 11:4

“This sickness will not end in death: but for the glory and honor of God, so that the son of God may be glorified by it.”

When you turn on the TV or look at a newspaper, you take in doom and gloom because of the economy. In tough times, our faith gives us strength when a financial problem becomes too much. Right now, I focus on finances because of communities’ struggles; our society battles over economic resources where the family needs more money to survive. Our faith must be beyond the world, and we believe in the word of God as an authority.

If those families don’t receive such resources soon, they can suffer mental health problems. It reduces your ability to manage daily tasks or even focus. Financial stress can lead to severe mental illness if people don’t understand the effects. And different groups suffer diverse side effects when they face pressure. Some lose weight because they can’t eat anything; other friends overeat fast food because they are overwhelmed.

Today, many suffer more stress than during the pandemic because of inflation and exhaustion. When businesses slow down, leaders look at uncertain markets which are unstable right now. Families worry over potential layoffs and increasing living expenses at that. As children need funds for sports and summer programs, parents budget carefully to provide those activities. One unexpected expense can lead to devastation and no finances or multiple overdrafts in your checking account.

Couples argue over money when they have opinions about using funds. Unfortunately, those couples are selfish in light of the best goal. In a marriage, both partners must agree on managing finances, even if one wants to save money for a rainy day and the other for a summer vacation. Ultimately, both find a solution that yields peace, not produces conflict. Unfortunately, that decision can cause significant arguments in relationships.

Couples who argue over money can face constant divorce. Money problems fall below infidelity, yet those relationships are shaky if core problems are ignored. When one car repair costs $1,000, a family considers maintenance or food for the month. That stress leads to anxiety, depression, or unbelief. You may face high credit card debt or focus right now, but the word of God is comforting.

If you have already prayed for a miracle, you expect answers. When we wait for long periods, it could be more enjoyable in light of our expectations. We pray to sear for relief, but sometimes God takes his time. First, we need to understand the waiting period, as life is challenging enough.

Patience is a virtue, and we all pursue better in life, but when stress is near, we forget about waiting. You, God, because we need you? With increasing debt, those families believe in miracles to function correctly.

Sometimes, Jesus will delay healing when he wants to receive the glory. We may not know the purpose when prayers are hindered. For example, I waited for a large bonus, believing I had bought furniture. In time, the season arrived, and I bought new things. Unfortunately, those blessings didn’t come on my schedule but manifested through promotions and pay raises.

When studying the word of God, I enjoy reading about Lazarus, a miracle when Jesus spoke life into the young man. Mary and Martha sent an urgent message to Jesus. Lazarus was sick, and Jesus loved the family even though he delayed his journey. After Lazarus died, the family questioned Jesus’ timing.

God controls everything, even miracles, when the family prays for an answer. Jesus waited because Lazarus was only sleeping (The Messiah prepared a gift that glorified the Lord.).

Like Mary and Martha, we have faith because of teachings, but the wait is difficult to understand. But Jesus raised the young man, representing Jesus’ resurrection where death didn’t have the victory. Large crowds followed Jesus, expecting miracles daily, but he emphasized that time didn’t affect healing.

Are you waiting for healing in your finances or body but doubt? As you pray, line your thoughts with the word, don’t worry. You can’t understand the plan, but God has a blessing through obedience. I’m thankful for the journey.