Saturday, February 18, 2012

Managing God's Money by Randy Alcorn

So, I have to admit...it took me a while to read this book.

No, it's not a long book compared to many I have read. Nor is the writing style at all difficult to follow. As a matter of fact, it is very well written, down-to-earth, and practical.

My problem?


Money.


Yours too?

Yep, quite possibly so. And, I realized that since money (or lack of) is a major struggle I live with on a daily basis, maybe subconsciously I didn't want to be instructed on what I really need to be doing with the money I (don't) have. Nor did I want to be reminded of what I wish I could be doing with the money I (don't) have.

You see, my heart is one of giving. Yes, I can be just as selfish as the next person---no doubt.  But, part of the reason I am in the debt that I am in is that in my early income-gaining years I loved to buy nice gifts for everyone I loved throughout the year as well as at that big gift-giving time of year---Christmas. True, though, purchasing gifts is not the only way I went overboard with unwise money decisions. Regardless of past choices, however, I still have a responsibility today to allot our household income wisely---in paying off debt, paying costs of daily living, and in giving.

Yes, I said it---GIVING!

How can I possibly reason that it is wise to give away any money when we have so much debt and daily living costs to pay and pay back?!

In this book Managing God's Money, Randy Alcorn does a brilliant job of explaining why and even to some degree how.  He teaches, encourages, and even challenges existing excuses and thoughts I had prior to reading this.

I was consistently convicted throughout reading this book that I cannot wait until we get past this financial struggle period of life to start giving back to God and trusting Him to continue to provide as He always remarkably has. I cannot wait to bless others in the ways God has chosen to use others to bless me.

I either do it now, or possibly never.

After all, we are not promised that we will have tomorrow to make things right and walk in faith and obedience. And besides, it really is amazing to sit back and watch God prove Himself time and time again. He did say in His word that this is the one area He invites us to test Him. (Malachi 3:10)

Will you test Him today? Have faith that He will provide for you as you obediently and faithfully trust Him. He will prove Himself to you as He has to me.

In the meantime, maybe you need that little nudge (or forceful push) that I needed and received from this book. If any of this strikes a chord with you, I recommend you get a copy of Managing God's Money and see what He wants to reveal to you through it.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.

1 comment:

misterp said...

Wow what a challenge and one that would benefit all of us including me. Thanks for sharing as well as giving some good insights. I hope you and your had a wonderful Valentine. your friend misterp. :)