THERE IS A WAY OUT! Overcoming Financial Tests

 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the FEELING OF OUR INFIRMITIES; but was in ALL POINTS TEMPTED like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, KJV). 


Two phrases stand out to me here at this time


1. Feeling of our infirmities

2. In all points tempted


FEELING OF OUR INFIRMITIES


You will notice that it is not just about our infirmities; but the feeling of our infirmities. We get the idea that our infirmities or weaknesses create feelings (symptoms if you want) in us. It is those feelings that allow us to be tempted. We then sin if we are not able to overcome the feelings.


IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED


That Jesus was in all points tempted reveals to us that it's not just about bodily weakness or sickness as in Matthew 8:17. It is about ALL the weaknesses common to man that can lead us to sin if not mastered. In the aspect of bodily weakness, symptoms are temptations to be sick.


FINANCIAL TEMPTATIONS 


Jesus was in ALL POINTS tempted. Therefore His temptations would not have been complete if it did not include financial tests. Was Jesus ever tempted financially? Did He ever have to face a situation of lack or insufficiency? Apart from the fact that the devil tempted Him with the riches of the whole world at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 4:8-10), the Bible also tells us that at one point He needed money to pay tax for Himself and His disciples. He had to send Peter to the sea to catch a fish and get a silver coin from its mouth. (Matthew 17:24-27). It was an emergency. Though the money was not physically available; He found supernatural help. On another occasion He needed to feed over five thousand people because of His compassion for them. And there was no way to get such food or funds. But He knew how to get it. (John 6: 5-12). On both occasion He allowed love for people and a desire to glorify God to lead Him. 


FEELINGS FROM FINANCIAL NEED


The feelings produced by financial lack or insufficiency are diverse. Imagine the feelings you get when you have to pay a bill that is due and there is no money in sight. House rent. Children School fees. Electricity bill. Food bill. The feelings can be embarrassment, fear, worry, doubt or shame. It can be feeling of  hopelessness and depression. 


Most people can't handle those feelings and the temptations they bring. That's what leads to sin. They can begin to murmur, complain against God and question His faithfulness. Some will resort to ungodly means to solve them. They are forced to lie. Others steal. Some kill. Some commit adultery. Others go into debt. 


But make no mistake about it. Both the poor and the rich of society face financial temptations at their different levels. In fact financial temptations (sin) is at the root of all societal evil. 


"For the LOVE OF MONEY is the ROOT OF ALL EVIL: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10).


The good news is that the Bible tells us that Jesus was tested with those same feelings. Yet He didn't sin. He is able to sympathize with even our financial temptations and help us before we sin. He can redeem us from our financial sins if we turn to Him.


BEFORE WE SIN


Jesus is ready. God is ready, on the merit of Christ, to show us mercy and help us in the time of need - in those weak moments. There is mercy to cover our weaknesses even before we sin - not just after we have sinned. If we know how to take advantage of God's provision of grace through Christ Jesus, we will not sin.


"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and FIND GRACE TO HELP in time of need." (Hebrews  4:16).


THERE IS A WAY OUT


That grace to help is supernatural. It is found in the Holy Spirit. That's how Jesus knew that there would be money in the mouth of a fish. That's how He knew how to feed five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes. It was by engaging the help of the Holy Spirit. Thank God that the same help is available to us today in Christ.


"Likewise the Spirit also HELPS our INFIRMITIES: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  


And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans  8:26-27).


When we are weak, where we are weak, we can engage the Holy Spirit to pray for us and help us to get the victory. Even in the case of financial temptations, the Holy Spirit can show us the way out. There is a supernatural way out!

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