Borrowed Faith

I used to have a “thing” about borrowing stuff.

I don’t know if it was pride, fear or just the overall pressure of not breaking/losing/abusing said borrowed item.

But once I answered the call into ministry, I got over that. Quick, fast and in a hurry.

As most of you know, I have now been working primarily for “Jesus dollars” for the last 4.5 years. Yes, “money” that has little spending value here in this world (apparently Wal-Mart doesn’t take Jesus checks #AskMeHowIKnow) but the reward of cashing in when I get to heaven is said to be legit.

So when I said “yes” to ministry and started working for him full-time, we adjusted from two incomes to a single income.

Then we added a kid into the mix.

Then we moved to Washington State where groceries/cost of living are sometimes ruh-dic-u-luss.

Hence I became a professional borrower of all the things.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not complaining (too much.) We are still a two car family. We have two lap top computers that work at a mediocre level (although my “vintage” 6-year-old Mac is on her last leg… Gulp.) So really, we are richer than 98% of the world (or something like that…)

But sometimes, barely sliding into home each pay period threatens me with anxiety. Especially since we are *almost* totally debt free (that includes paying off our car) and my friends are probably sick of me asking to borrow DVD seasons/carseat dollies/lawn mowers.

Just last week, I was listening to a commentary (which kind of my new jam, in case you hadn’t picked up on that.) And this particular commentary was talking all about rich vs. poor and how we should value those who are impoverished (and rejoice if we ourselves are in that situation.)

Scriptures like:

“The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever!” ~Psalm 22:26

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” ~Proverbs 14:31

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” ~Proverbs 19:17

“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. ” ~Zechariah 7:10

“Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” ~Luke 6:20

“Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”~Matthew 19:21

“But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” ~Mark 12:42-43

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” ~James 2:5

Again, our family is a very, very long way from poverty (so richly blessed financially!) but the commentary went on to talk about Jesus’ example…

Jesus borrowed stuff all the time.

Bam! Zap to my heart. I listened intently as the commentator explained.

Jesus Himself was born into poverty. He was born in a borrowed manger. In a borrowed stable. He borrowed loaves and fish to feed the masses. He borrowed a coin to teach a parable. He borrowed a donkey colt to ride for His entry into Jerusalem. He borrowed a cross that belonged to Barabas. He borrowed the tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. He borrowed all these things so that we might have life in Him.

Friend, that fact alone made me realize the borrowing isn’t such a bad thing after all.

And if I can be completely honest here, sometimes I feel like I need to borrow a bit of faith.

When things get hard. When I am feeling weary. When the pressure mounts. When the finances are just a little too tight.

We can borrow faith. From our spouse. Our family. Our friends. Our community.

And of course, from our Savior.

Dear reader, when you think about all the stuff Jesus “borrowed,” how does that make you feel? In what ways do you sometimes have to borrow faith? I welcome your feedback. Leave a comment if you like.

And take heart. Jesus has plenty of faith when your tank (or bank account) is running low. He is a great lender. He has paid your debt. So borrow all you need from Him.

Bought by Christ,