Is There Power In Poverty?
Money is good.
It’s surprising how many people would believe this is heresy. There is no world where lack is desirable or should be held as a standard. But reality is not as kind as this ideal. As young Africans, we don’t have to go far to experience poverty. Sometimes all we need to do is wake up.
In the last year I have experienced what it is like to wonder how I am going to get through the day. I have turned friends down because I could not afford the petrol to get to them – let alone the bill after the meal. I have seen other friends work three jobs to barely survive; even though they graduated from University with me.
And where does God fit into this? “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Many scriptures about God’s provision and blessing could be quoted, but what if there is no direct evidence in your life today?
Looking back, I have realised that God understands the power of need.
Without need there is no motivation. Most, if not all, of our decisions have been provoked by the presence of need. If we had all we wanted we would not stretch ourselves to improve. The best ideas would be six feet down in wooden coffins and we would probably still be living in the Stone Age.
Without need there would be no gratitude.
Appreciating what you have is an important part of life. If we did not need anything, whatever we did have would not be taken care of. A clear example of this is the streets of Vegas. In a city where money is king and excess is the goal, you will find loads of untouched food on the streets – thrown out just because it wasn’t the desirable option that night. If any of those meals had been placed on the table in our city, however, it would probably feed a family for a few days. Need teaches us to value what we have.
Without need, we also have no purpose. Whatever we have only becomes valuable once someone else needs it. Despite your monetary lack, there are always areas in your life where you hold the monopoly. Whether its your opinion, your physical ability or your skills, when you share from that wealth, your contribution is valued.
Without need you would be alone. There is no shame in need. Or there shouldn’t be. If we did not have need, we would have no reason to connect. We would be aimless ships floating past and into each other.
Many times success begins with desperation and destitution.
From Sean Connery and Ralph Lauren to the creator of Whatsapp, there are countless stories of people who have triumphed out of dire circumstances. The truth is, need can teach me so much about life – about people, true fulfilment, joy, hope and friendship. My education did not end when I was handed a piece of paper with numbers on it. In many ways, my study loans will teach me more than my studies ever did.
Today I received my first pay-check for a job that is a perfect fit for me. I can tell you that I would not have chosen it for myself, but God used my need to direct me into the best opportunity I have ever had. I am grateful that I had to live through lack, because it made me more aware of what was important in life and drove me towards the only one that has never needed anything… ever.
God doesn’t need us. He wants us. And the power of being wanted when you face great need can carry you further than any amount of money ever could. If you’d like to know more about how you can find hope and strength through your lack and need, click on the banner below.
Author: David Webster
Twitter: @davidjwebster
Instagram: @davidjwebster
Blog: websterisms.moonfruit.com