Making an investment: How to know if it is worth it or not
Are you currently contemplating investing your time, effort, or financial resources into something? The decision to invest is often accompanied by a crucial question: How can you determine whether the investment is worthwhile?
In the Bible, some wise investors made decisions that stood the test of time. One common thread among them was their trust in God. This article will delve into who these savvy investors were and how their faith in God was crucial to their investment decisions.
Noah and the ark
God told Noah to build an ark because He would bring a Great Flood to the Earth. The reason for this was the widespread corruption and disobedience of the people. Noah, upon hearing God's command, obeyed without hesitation. He started building the ark, following God's instructions carefully.
Initially, when Noah shared God's plan with the people, they did not understand and might have thought he was acting strangely. They likely doubted and questioned his actions. Despite this skepticism, Noah continued building the ark, staying faithful to God's directive.
As Noah diligently constructed the ark, the people around him might have mocked or criticized him. They probably found it hard to believe that a flood would come and Noah's efforts were necessary for survival. However, Noah remained steadfast in his obedience to God.
When the ark was completed, God instructed Noah to gather pairs of animals and his family to enter the ark. Noah followed God's guidance, and the Great Flood began as soon as they were inside. The rain poured, and the waters rose, covering the entire Earth. The people who had doubted Noah's obedience soon faced the consequences of their disbelief.
Noah and his family and the animals on the ark were protected from the devastating floodwaters. The ark served as a refuge, and through Noah's faith and obedience, God preserved a remnant of creation to start anew after the waters receded.
Jeremiah and the field of Anathoth
In a time marked by financial adversity for Jeremiah and the people, God delivered a profound message through a unique directive. Despite the economic challenges prevailing, God instructed Jeremiah to invest in purchasing a specific plot of land.
This instruction was not merely a real estate transaction; it was a symbolic act meant to convey a message of hope and restoration during a bleak period.
Jeremiah, recognizing the divine significance of God's command, faithfully followed through with the purchase.
Later on, as the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem, Jeremiah's land became desolate. However, the significance of the purchase went beyond the apparent loss. God saw a future beyond the ruins when people would return and reclaim the land. This act of acquiring the land amid adversity symbolized God's intention to restore prosperity and hope to His people, even in the face of temporary hardship.
Trust God
When you are considering making an investment, it is crucial to recognize that trusting God in this decision is wise. Only He possesses knowledge of the future, and placing your trust in Him adds a layer of certainty to the uncertainty that often accompanies investments. God, being all-knowing, understands the paths that lie ahead, offering you guidance and assurance as you navigate the complexities of your investment choices.
The question arises: Is it foolish to trust God when investing? The answer hinges on believing that God holds the ultimate wisdom and foresight. While the world may view this trust as unconventional, leaning on God's understanding rather than relying solely on human knowledge can bring confidence. So, is it truly foolish to entrust your investments to the One who knows the future?
Ask yourself the following questions:
Do you feel like you are the wise one, so you will not take the risk?
Reflect on whether your reluctance to step into uncertainty is grounded in genuine prudence or stems from a desire to maintain a sense of control and avoid perceived risks.
Consider the possibility that true wisdom may involve acknowledging the limits of your understanding and trusting in a higher source of guidance. In this context, knowledge goes beyond self-reliance and embraces the humility to seek divine direction. So, as you evaluate your stance on risk-taking and investment, ponder whether your hesitancy is a mark of genuine wisdom or a barrier to embracing the faith necessary for transformative decisions.
Do you disregard all wisdom out of trust in God?
Reflect on whether relying on God's guidance leads you to neglect the valuable insights and knowledge available through practical and informed decision-making.
While trust in God is paramount, it does not necessarily negate the importance of utilizing wisdom and discernment in your choices. True faith does not discard wisdom but complements it, acknowledging the coexistence of divine guidance and practical understanding. So, as you navigate decisions and investments, assess whether your trust in God aligns with a holistic approach that embraces faith and practical wisdom or if it veers toward disregarding valuable insights altogether.
Pray
Consider a simple yet profound approach in finding the right balance between relying on your knowledge and having faith in your investments. Engage in prayer and commit the outcome to God. Approach Him with sincerity, saying something like, “God, I am doing this (or not doing it) because I trust you. Guide me if it is not right, and affirm it if it aligns with your plan. I trust you with the outcome.”
This straightforward prayer reflects a reliance on God's guidance, both in decision-making and in surrendering the outcome. Acknowledging your trust in God's wisdom opens the door to a harmonious blend of your understanding and His divine guidance. Seek God in prayer, entrust your decisions to Him, and affirm your trust in His direction for your investments. Through this intentional act of faith, you create a foundation for a balanced approach that values your knowledge and God's sovereign guidance.
Where do you sense God is leading you?
Look to the examples of Noah and Jeremiah for inspiration in your journey of trust. Despite doubts from those around them and challenging circumstances, they remained steadfast in their faith in God.
Others may say you are foolish for doing so. And they may be right because in decision-making, relying solely on personal knowledge and wisdom may fall short. To navigate the complexities of these choices and seek true success, it is essential to turn to God.
Discovering success in your investments becomes a collaborative effort between your intentions and God's guidance. If your investment choices resonate with His will, you will likely find yourself on a path to flourishing. However, if there is a misalignment, it is crucial to remember that God's plans are vast and intricate.
In moments when your plans seem to differ from God's, trust that He has alternative routes designed for you. These alternative paths may unfold greater opportunities and blessings as God's perspective encompasses a broader understanding of the future.
You will only be foolish if you do not consult God.
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