Though I've read the story before, today I read it with a new perspective. As I've gotten older, I've become fascinated with the idea of frugality. I've studied the subject for hours on end, because so much of the ideas behind living frugally, simply, and beneath your means can be applied in living a life pleasing to God. In my case, I'm passionate about serving the poor and meeting needs whenever I see them. A frugal lifestyle is perfect for me, because the more money I save, the more I can spend serving others and God.
Looking at this story again helped me to realize other reasons a frugal lifestyle can be pleasing to God. If you didn't click on the link to read the passage, watch this video. Or do both.
Notice the emphasis Elisha puts on the question, "What do you have?" (Watch closely at 0:45-0:50.) He is surprisingly forceful. But I think he does this to prove a point--we often focus on what we don't have, not on what we do have. I've found that no matter how bad my financial situation, focusing on what I don't have will not get me anywhere. However, when I stop, breathe, and pray to God to help me trust him, I often find peace, if not a simple way to take steps towards solving the issue. He may not give me the entire solution all at once, but he will give me the peace and strength to take action.
Though this story is about much more than frugality, it really reassured me choosing such a lifestyle.
How does this story inspire you? I'd love to hear your input--it's amazing how every person will learn something different from the same story!
(I'm doing a study from the Freestyle Living Blog. That's where I found the video, so I wanted to make sure and give credit! Also, credit is due to Crown Ministries for the video itself!)
I popped over from your comment on Carmen's blog. In a time when I very much needed it, God majorly used this story to encourage me and my family. Although in that instance my emphasis was on God's ability to miraculously provide, I LOVE your take on our perspective!! It makes such a difference whether we're looking at our lack or at our blessings :)
ReplyDelete@Amanda
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment, Amanda!
I definitely think that God's provision is the major theme in the story, and it is definitely encouraging when I think about all the situations in which I was scared I wouldn't have enough to get by. But I love how God intertwines multiple messages within the same story, so every time we read them we learn something new!