In your search for college cash, you may hear people say, "Don't worry. Just trust God." Now that sounds like the "spiritual" thing to do, but what does it really mean?
Well, first of all, it's crucial to note that trusting God is the right solution in all circumstances, including our times of financial need. Why? Because God is the ruler of the entire universe (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). He is a powerful God who's in control of everything (Daniel 4:35). That means he's not only able to take care of us, he can do a far better job at it than we can. That's why Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." God's wisdom is so much greater than ours. That's why we can and should trust him.
So the Bible tells us to trust God, but what should we trust him for? Everything. Life, breath, food, clothing, shelter—all of it comes from him. We often forget this. It's easy to think that when Mom and Dad bring home the groceries, they are the ones to be thanked. And they are, to some degree, but ultimately God is the one to be praised. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 says this: "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. . . ."
So how does college tuition fit in? When it's all said and done, God will be the one who provides. Does that mean the money is just going to drop into your lap if you pray hard enough? God is a big God, and that could happen. But in most cases, God doesn't provide in that way. God expects us to do our part. Just turn to Nehemiah 4. The Israelites were trying to rebuild a wall around Jerusalem, and they found out some of their enemies were planning to attack them. So what did they do? First, they prayed for God's help and protection. They knew their survival depended on his intervention. Then they posted guards on the walls of the city. In addition, those who were working on the wall did their building with one hand and held a weapon in the other. This didn't mean they were taking matters into their own hands. They understood God gave them the ability to protect themselves, and that they owed any victory to him (verse 20).
So how does this apply to your finances? Pray. Ask God to provide for your needs, recognizing that everything depends on him. Then remember that action is also required on your part. Ask God to show you ways he might want to supply your needs. Then check into every possible means of help—a part-time job, scholarships, and so on. Keep your eyes and ears open for things you can do, and then keep going to God. He will show you what to do and give you the strength to do it. Just trust him.
Written by Amber Penney
