Even in Hard Times God Provides - Barbara Wunderlich

“God called His people to consider their ways. They planted much, but harvested little. …Money earned fell through the holes in their purses; Honor God with your money. Test Him and see how He will pour out blessings.” Haggai 1:1-11; Malachi 3: 8-12
Living paycheck-to-paycheck. Increasing credit card debt. No savings. No plan for our financial future. This best describes the finances early in our marriage.

1975 was a time of recession and the rising cost of living. It was in this financial climate that our pastor encouraged us to seek God’s answers. When he started talking about money, my ears perked up.

Holes in purses… that was us. Whatever money came in immediately went out. Usually more was going out than coming in. After the sermon, my husband and I were quiet on the ride home. A mental tug-of-war played out in my mind. Lord, you know I am willing to tithe, but I’m sure Bob won’t be.

“That was quite a sermon,” I said.

Bob quickly responded, “Yes it was. We’ve tried it our way. We need to start handling money God’s way.”

How would God provide for our needs? We began tithing with our next paycheck. Scripture says our money is to be given with joy but, to be honest, we wrote that first check with fear and trepidation. God didn’t say it would be easy and we weren’t without trials and temptations.

God provided in unexpected ways. In six months Bob received two pay raises. We still didn’t know how to budget. Our first test of commitment was a large insurance bill. It was tempting to hold off tithing. God had promised to provide, so we decided to trust.

The answer came a few days later.

A couple we knew had planned a trip. They asked us to take care of their four children, as well as three dogs and six newborn puppies. For three weeks we would live in their home, eat their food and drive their car. We saved money on bills, earned one hundred dollars and expense money.

God showered us with blessings through hard work and a new appreciation for becoming better financial managers. The insurance bill was paid on time.

Are your finances out of control? Take God up on His challenge to test Him. See what blessings He sends your way.


Barbara Wunderlich answered God's call and has spent over thirty years as a librarian, inspiring children to read. Through her students, their parents and her own family, she has seen God work in mysterious ways, through good as well as difficult circumstances. As a writer, she seeks to encourage others to put their trust in God and His faithfulness.