A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford
One famous man made his money in oil. He was “the richest man in the world” when he moved his home from America to Britain. He was so stingy with his money that he put pay phones throughout his English castle to make his guests spend their own money for long-distance calls. In his old age, when he longed desperately to return to his home in the United States, he was afraid of flying, and too sick to survive a long sea voyage home. His money was no help to him when he most needed help.
Another man, whom some people say is the richest man in the world, made an appointment for an interview with a reporter. But when the reporter arrived at the home, he could hear the new baby wailing upstairs. It continued to weep the entire time the reporter was there. The ministrations of an expensive, experienced nanny could not quiet the weeping child. Nor did that man’s money seem to help him find a wife who would love him “as long as we both shall live.”
The money of another remarkably rich man certainly did not help him find happiness. As a very young man, he saw the potential of software for computers. He was happily married to a wise and loving woman, and their charity foundation still provides wonderful help to thousands. But his eye wandered, and he had an affair. His wife forgave him. He strayed again, and again his wife took him back. But after several more incidents, she said, “The trust is gone. I can’t do this again.”
Then there’s the pitiful story of yet another multi-millionaire. His company was built on his incredibly gifted mind for finding solutions to major business problems. But when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he rejected proven medical procedures. He chose a vegan diet, acupuncture, and herbal remedies. He died, when likely his life could have been saved.
These are true stories. I’ve deliberately not used names, because they have a right to privacy. But thse stories all illustrate a terrible illusion many of us have. Why do we “poor” people keep thinking that if we just had money, every problem in our lives would magically solved? It’s a rotten lie of Satan, and it keeps us from turning to the only real and blessed answer to our problems: the Lord Jesus.
Only Jesus can change hearts. Only Jesus can give us the strength and courage to make wise decisions. Only Jesus can comfort us in trials and loss. Only Jesus can give us the wisdom to do what He wants us to do. Putting our trust in Jesus brings peace, perfect peace, even before we see the answer to our problems.
You, Lord Jesus will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in You, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:3-4