Less Money, Mo’ Problems: Debt Management
Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins
2 Kings 4:1-7

Weekly Prayer

God, thank You for the revelation that debt not only creates a financial burden, but an emotional burden that weighs us down. The struggle with debt is often a symptom of layered struggles. We struggle with debt because we struggle with acceptance, keeping up with the Joneses, and feelings of inadequacy. But God, we are grateful that You see us, and that our debt does not disqualify us from a reset. You are a God who lovingly performs miracles in our lives even when we fall short.

So, Lord, we humble ourselves and ask for Your help to prioritize our finances and faith in a way that delivers us from debt. We bring our empty jars and look to Your direction as we pour out what we have left in faith. Give us discernment to know when enough is enough, so that You may be glorified. May deliverance from debt forever change us so that we will grow to a level of maturity where debt and greed no longer have a place in our lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen. 

In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen. 

WRITTEN BY TAMIKA NUNLEY
Growth Moment
Scripture:
II Kings 4:1-7

Scriptural Questions:
What does it say? What does it mean? Why does it matter?

Context:
This widow was married to a son of a prophet which infers that he did not have access to making wealth through business, etc. This family was not privileged financially. Her husband dies. Because of the setting and culture of the time, women did not have the ability to earn money. Her only tangible “assets” were her sons and the last bit of precious olive oil she possessed. By the enactment of the law, a creditor was entitled to claim the debtor and their children to compel them to serve as bondmen till the year of jubilee which would set them free. The prophet Elisha compels her to use her last item of value, go to her neighbors for help, and act on her faith in God following His instruction through the prophet.

Key Points:

  1. Debt is multi-layered and an overwhelming emotional burden. Debt affects every area in our lives.
  2. You’re still in good company. Your debt does not disqualify you!
  3. Faith to ask. Faith to give. It takes a level of humility to say to God “this is all I have left.
  4. Faith to make God your priority. Deciding to make God the priority is acting on our faith to tithe or step out and use the gifting that God has given you.

Questions and Discussion:
  • How much of our debt circumstance do we blame on ourselves? How much of our success do we take credit for?

  • Has this message caused you to consider your priorities? Is God first in your financial decisions and choices?

  • How would you share this message with someone who does not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior?