A few months ago, I was struck by how much Lecrae’s song Broke resonated with me. It made me realize that God is teaching me some truly amazing lessons through seasons of lack, and I don’t want to miss any of it.

Crumbs with God Over a Feast Without Him
In my relationship with God, trust is a lesson I keep coming back to. This time, however, I’m beginning to understand that it’s not enough to trust God with my “what”—I must also trust Him with the “how,” “when,” “where,” and “who.” It’s not enough to believe that God will bless me; I must believe that whether I can see it or not, whether it makes sense to me or not, He will finish what He starts His way. To trust Him means to trust His will, His way, and His timing. I surrender all. (Isaiah 55:8)

Trash to Treasure
Lack has opened my eyes to everything I already have. Meals taste more delicious, and gifts feel more precious. Suddenly, lemon rinds become household cleaner, and the base of my lettuce becomes part of my garden. There is potential abundance everywhere, and I get to be a part of it. (1 Kings 4:1-7)

An Ear for Ungratefulness
Sometimes, I don’t realize there’s ungratefulness in my heart until I hear it coming out of my mouth. Lack has been tuning my ear to it. Now, when I hear it, I can stop it and adjust the posture of my heart more quickly. (Psalm 42:5-8)

Trust With Little
God is trusting me with lack. Will I trust Him for my everyday abundance? It is a gift to be trusted by God, but His kingdom is upside down. While I’d like to be trusted with a million dollars, I’ve come to embrace it when God hands me a hundred instead and trusts me to steward that well. As I trust Him, I begin to see that He’s not just helping me steward the money well, but also the heart that receives it. Through lack, I’m learning to trust Him to do what He will with both my resources and my heart. (Matthew 6:9-15)

Trust With Much
When I learn how to manage a hundred dollars, I’m also learning how to manage a million. The trouble comes when I forget what I’ve learned. If I remember that I would rather be with God, that trash can still become treasure, that I need to check my heart and mouth for ungratefulness, and that God is trusting me with what I have, then I am far more likely steward that million dollars well. (Luke 16:1-14)

Love and Abundance