Biblical Answer

Losing a business can be a difficult reality to face, especially when it comes to providing for one's family. I recall when my wife Susan and I first started our life together 19 years ago, we had to be mindful of our finances and make sacrifices in order to tithe and give generously to our church. It's true that increasing our giving from 2% to 10% would require adjustments in our spending habits, but I believe that's a sacrifice worth making.

As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with the idea of losing their business, not just financially, but also in terms of their sense of identity and purpose. But the Bible teaches us that our wealth and possessions are not permanent, and that we should not put our trust in them (1 Timothy 6:7). I've come to realize that true security and peace come from knowing that God is our provider, not our bank account or business.

In fact, I've seen many people who have lost their businesses, but have found a sense of freedom and joy in serving God and their community. It's not about being able to afford everything we want, but about being able to afford to live a life of faith and generosity. As the Bible says, "Try Me now in this... if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). I believe that if we trust in God, He will provide for us in ways we never thought possible.