What If Your Financial Struggle Is Teaching You Something More Valuable Than Money?

Recently, a missionary friend told me about a woman who had begun attending our church. Another woman had reacted negatively to her decision, claiming that our church was well funded and motivated by profit.

I understood where this perception might have come from. During the war, large amounts of humanitarian aid flowed through churches, leaving behind complicated concerns and lasting consequences in the post-war period. It is also possible that the criticism arose from personal disappointment or bitterness.

Whatever its source, the negative comment affected our mutual friend’s attitude. It also prompted me to examine my own relationship with money, financial provision, and fundraising as a missionary.

During my daily prayer walks, I often bring various financial needs before God. Over time, I began noticing an interesting pattern: I frequently find fenings—the Bosnian equivalent of pennies. On several occasions, the coins I found added up to the exact amount of change I needed to purchase something.

Whether you consider this a simple coincidence or an answer to prayer, these small discoveries brought joy to my heart. They reassured me that God has many ways of reminding us that He sees our needs and is able to provide for them.

They also reminded me of a story from the Gospels. When Jesus and His disciples needed money to pay the temple tax, Jesus gave Peter an unusual instruction: go fishing. Peter found the required coin in the mouth of the first fish he caught (Matthew 17:24–27).

This story spoke deeply to me last year while I was walking through a financially difficult season and seeking God’s help. As I reflected on it, I sensed an invitation to go on prayer walks with Jesus and learn to pay attention along the way.

Now I walk prayerfully each day, bringing Him all kinds of questions. The answers sometimes come in the most unexpected ways—and occasionally through coins lying on the ground.

I do not know what you are struggling with today, but perhaps one of your concerns involves money. If so, I invite you to reflect on Matthew 17:24–27 and ask Jesus for wisdom and instruction concerning your present need.

His guidance may not come immediately or in the way you expect. Learning to recognize it may take time. Yet as you faithfully follow what He shows you, you may enter a new season of growth. He may strengthen your trust, reveal your God-given value apart from your financial circumstances, or teach you something else that your heart deeply needs.

Whatever the lesson may be, it could prove more valuable than simply receiving another financial resource.

God is not concerned only with meeting your needs. He is also shaping your heart, strengthening your faith, and reminding you of a truth that money can never measure:

You are deeply valuable to Him.

"However, in order not to give offense and cause them to stumble [that is, to cause them to judge unfavorably and unjustly] go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find there a shekel. Take it and give it to them to pay the temple tax for Me and for yourself." Matthew 17:27 AMP