I have reviewed this book for our church newsletter:
‘Daring to live on the edge: The adventure of faith and finances’ by Loren Cunningham.
What do the words ‘faith and finance’ conjure up in you? Fear? Sorrow? Dread? “Oh no, not another preach on how I could prosper if I would only trust God more?” Well, I challenge anyone to read this book and not come away with excitement about what God can and will do. I was more than encouraged by it; it positively lifted me, not because I suddenly believe God’s going to throw money my way (though that would be nice!), but because it was able to demonstrate God’s provision for each person, that He can meet each of us where we are.
Various stories are told of people walking in faith because God has told them to do something, even though they do not have the money. In one situation a man, Bjorn, feels it’s right to return to Norway from Africa but doesn’t have the money. He prays with his team leader who also senses that it is the right time. With no money, Bjorn is put on standby for a ticket. At the airport the next day, he still does not have enough money. His team leader is given money that would cover Bjorn’s costs, however, he is told it is not to give away. The leader obeys God and prays that God will provide for the Norwegian. The ticket agent calls Bjorn over as a cancellation has opened up. As Bjorn gets to the desk, another person gives him the money for the ticket! How amazing is that?! I find stories like this personally very challenging. How often do I let things pass by that I know God wants me to do simply because I do not at the time have the money?
‘Daring to live on the edge’ speaks a lot about faith and waiting. I find this the biggest challenge personally: To wait patiently, knowing God has told you something will happen, even when you see no evidence of it for months, even years. The story in here was of a manor house God had told the YWAM staff they were going to own yet for years everything seemed to go against them owning it, until one day they bought the building for much less than the original cost with more land included. God will never go back on his promises, and if we trust him patiently, often He will do much much more than we could ever ask or imagine!
Lack of money can be a blessing. Yes, you did hear me right! We rely far too much on the ability of money to get us out of scrapes, instead of looking to God. God can use the times when we are broke to teach us to trust. It can also radically change our perspective of our needs. When we experience freedom from the clutch of materialism, and when we truly grasp the fact that God will always provide for our needs, we can cheerfully give. The best way to come against greed, pride, and a sense of need, is to come against them in the opposite spirit.
I was challenged by reading this book to do things that God says, even if they make no financial sense. Like when you’re without money and trying to save for something you consider important and God tells you to give away your last £10. That makes no sense financially. Surely you should save every penny? I’ve learnt not to ask why, or wonder how my plans (or even God’s plans for me that he’s told me) will come about, but to be obedient. God is totally faithful.
