Plan your work and work your plan!

Note before reading below: The funds promised in this article are not about you. Yes, you read it correctly. They are not about you. They are, however, about getting God’s work done and spreading the good news of His love and how Jesus died for us all. Ministry work is what it’s all about. I placed this paragraph here instead of at the end because once you read about the money; you may go into a daze and lose sight of the purpose.

NOW LETS GET TO THE GOOD STUFF

There was a certain, let’s just say “contest” going on across the country for which the top prize was $1 million. For legal reasons I will not disclose the name of the contest. In all honesty, I was pretty excited about the contest so I entered it. Soon after, God convicted my heart and told me not to participate because the contest represents a form of gambling. Now, we’re all at different levels with our conviction, but lets be clear: gambling is against God. It’s a type of get-rich-quick scheme that leads to greed and the love of money – all against God. See Matthew 6:24, Proverbs 28:22, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Luke 12:15, and Hebrews 13:5.

So I must admit I was a little disheartened about not being able to participate in the contest. In my disappointment I didn’t realize my desire to participate in the contest was the manifestation of a familiar spirit trying to revisit me. As I sat on my bed one day God spoke to me and asked, “Why are you so anxious to get $1 million? What are you going to do when I give it to you?” Notice I said God said when, not if. Believe it or not God does provide wealth for His people. ((Read about the lives of Abraham, Lot, Jacob and Job.)) These men had wealth because of God’s favor on their lives. They served God and brought glory to His name with everything He had given them. Note that not everyone’s wealth comes from The Lord. There are some wealthy people in this world that are not for God. But do not envy the wicked. The wealth of the wicked is laid up for the just.  

Anyway...So, though I was a little shocked at the question I replied, “Umm, I don’t know. Get stuff.” Then God asked, “What do you mean stuff? And I replied, “You know, a home so we can provide a ministry for free or little cost. I’ll also set aside some money to promote our ministries and I’ll give to the church. We do want another car. You know, stuff.” I think God is content with my answer. Thankfully He can see my heart and look pass me fumbling through my words to understand exactly what I would actually do if blessed with $1 million. Next God asked me if I had written down my plans. “No, sir,” I replied, as I began writing them down on a piece of paper. I added money for our extended family to my list, as well as an estimate of our taxes and the amount of money my husband, Reggie, and I need to pay off our debts. God said, “Okay. This is a good start but you need to develop a business plan.” Hmmm…I thought, a business plan? Really? Then I shook my head. Did I really question God? Please understand; I questioned what He said, not who He is...still wrong though. Again, I am so thankful he knows my heart and that I meant no disrespect to Him.

God wanted me to understand that it was imperative that I develop a solid business plan. He reminded me of my business degree and that I already know what a business plan is and its relevance. In the secular world, people create business plans to present to banks when applying for loans. God wanted me to understand He has money to give me – not loan me – but he fully expects me to develop a business plan so I will be mindful of what is required of me once he blesses me with the money. So I began saying “Okay, Lord. Thank you. Thank you.” Trust me when I tell you I was speechless. I mean, what could I say after a conversation with God like that? He said one last thing to me: “Don’t focus your mind on just $1 million because once you spend $1 of that money you’re no longer a millionaire.” To His people he says, “Don’t be discouraged or overwhelmed if you are not business savvy. I can meet each of you where you are. Listen to me, to complete what I feel is sufficient.”

Amazing! God is just so awesome. If you’re reading this, it’s meant for you to see it. Get your business plan in order to receive the blessings from The Lord. And just so you know, this is described in Habakkuk 2:2-3. 

Then the Lord said to me,

   “Write my answer plainly on tablets,
      so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.
  This vision is for a future time.
      It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.
   If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently,
      for it will surely take place.
      It will not be delayed.