Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God. (1 Tim. 6:17)
MY FRIEND GEORGE lives in Gulfport, Mississippi; he has lived there all his life. His family home is on the main street in town. In 2005 most of us watched as Katrina decimated New Orleans and the surrounding area with one-hundred-mile-an-hour winds and torrential rains. Gulfport was not bypassed. George not only lost his family home, but he also lost his history.
When I called to ask how he was, he replied, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. I am safe; my kids and grandkids are safe. We will rebuild.”
I remember thinking, “How could this man have such faith?”
A closer look shows that George does not put his hope in wealth. Rather, he puts his hope in the Lord. Of course he was sad to lose his home. But George knows the pearl of great price. He has discovered the treasure hidden in the field. He knows the Lord and that earthly wealth cannot replace the joy of walking with the Lord.
So when days are dark, when the storm comes, when our houses are tossed and turned, let’s be as George, a man of strength, who stands firm in the Lord. Let’s not put our hope in wealth, but let’s put our hope in the Lord.
Take an inventory of your life to determine if your hope is in your wealth or in the Lord.
Marty Norman is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is an avid reader, loves to hike, and is passionate about mission work.
