GIF Life’s Struggles

“It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

(1 Peter 4:17)

Life’s Struggles
by Larry Burkett

All of us struggle with one thing or another in our lives. I remember the struggles I had when I was growing up in a poor family. Our family was philosophically poor—they thought “poor.”

My mother and father came through the Great Depression, and my father didn’t work regularly for about eight years, and it left a great impression on him. So, from that time we always lived poorly and never spent money—even on a decent house.

Every discussion I can remember about money was, “We can’t afford it.” So, that has haunted me all of my life. But even negative circumstances can bring positive results, because I determined I would never be poor.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to make a lot of money—in business and from writing. The Lord has convicted me to give my surplus away, because if I didn’t I would never trust Him. If we have more than we need, there isn’t much need to trust in Him, is there?

We will be judged for the way we have used our resources: Have we hoarded them for ourselves or have we given to those with needs?

The first generation church set an example for us, so the question is whether we will be doers of the Word instead of hearers only.

“I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the orphan who had no helper” (Job 29:12).

Daily Scripture Reading:

Proverbs 1-3