BGEA: October 18: Like others today, I've lost my job and most of my savings, and now I'm about to lose my house.

Like others today, I've lost my job and most of my savings, and now I'm about to lose my house. Why doesn't God do something? Sometimes I think I'm about to lose my faith also. — M.R.

The Bible urges us to pray for all who are in places of authority -- and more than ever we should heed that command (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2). Our world faces uncertain days, and our leaders (in business as well as government) need wisdom and courage to make right decisions.

One of the Bible's greatest truths is that God is with us not only when life is going well, but also when it isn't. I often think of Job in the Old Testament. God had blessed him with health, prosperity, and a loving family -- but almost overnight it all was taken away. People urged him to turn against God -- but he refused, because he knew God had not abandoned him, in spite of his confusion over what had happened. He told them, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10). In time God restored what he had lost.

I wish I could tell you everything will suddenly change for you, and I pray it will. But even if it doesn't, my prayer is that during these days you will draw closer to God instead of drifting from Him. Use the extra time God has given you to become more involved in your church, to pray, to study your Bible, and to volunteer for programs that help others. God's promise is for you: "I am with you and will watch over you" (Genesis 28:15).

In addition, don't give up, but keep looking for a job. Consider too other opportunities that might be available in your area, such as training for a different career.

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52 Comments

RLW says 3.30.2012, 7:33 p.m.

I TOO, HAVE LOST MY JOB, I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR 2 YEARS, MY SAVINGS ARE LONG GONE AND I HAVE NO INCOME OTHER THAN MY HUSBAND, WHO WORKS BUT CANNOT HANDLE THE FINANCES ALONE, IN FACT IT HAS BECOME A PROBLEM AS HE IS A DRINKER.

Myra says 1.8.2012, 6:34 p.m.

I don't know what i would have done without JESUS. He is so faithful and who can love us any better and who can prove it like he has already done. Keep holding on to Jesus' hem while you are on that stormy sea!

Beverly says 11.10.2011, 10:14 a.m.

Dear Dr. Graham,Thank you for being a good and faithful service of The Lord Jesus. My parents use to watch you on television for many years, I was a little girl at the time, but I remember all to well. Today your message is yet the same, "God loves you, and wants to share His life with you." Dr. Graham, I believe the Lord would say to you, "Well done."

Rex says 11.9.2011, 09:38 a.m.

MR, I sure hope you are looking for that new door that has been opened for you. God never closes one without opening a new one. Always remember to look up for the answers you need. PRAY HARD

Doris, Dear Dr Graham i' so th says 11.8.2011, 3:20 p.m.

Dear Dr Graham I'm so thankful you lived these 93 years, and you are such a wonderful person. Thank you for saving so many people, your witness continues to keep growing. We love you! Your life Billy so many people need to know how still to get to God.,it seems you have that something to tell us all about God!

tim says 11.8.2011, 06:28 a.m.

Great answer. Thank you Dr. Graham for your faithful example to us. God bless your remaining days with us.

Benjamin says 11.7.2011, 11:46 p.m.

Let The Good Lord grant you Grace and mercy all the days of your life...every word in the Bible is true and applicable to our daily life. I'm going through troubled days, though I'm not a saint. With the little faith I have in Jesus, I cling on to him. and my life is pleasant. He never lets his children down. He disciplines those He loves. Today I read a passage in the Bible. Even a mother can forget the baby at her breast, but I will never forget you. Praise Jesus. Amen

Diana says 11.7.2011, 7:01 p.m.

Happy Birthday Billy.

Mary says 11.7.2011, 4:09 p.m.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Graham - may GOD bless you for your ministry all these years! Truly a faithful servant of the LORD.

Sahlu says 11.7.2011, 1:45 p.m.

Brother and dearest Billy, warm greetings from Ethiopia and happy birthday ! !May the Almighty God Bless you more and more ! Thanks to our Lord Jesus that you are still graceful !!

Rosina says 11.7.2011, 09:13 a.m.

Happy birthday Dr. Graham! I thank God every day for you. You are in my daily prayers. We need you here. You certainly are God's Ambassador! May God bless you always. Love,Rosina

Samuel Getachew from Ethiopia says 11.7.2011, 01:27 a.m.

Dr Billy Graham happy Birthday. 20 years ago I used to read your magazine Decision and it was inspiring. Billy God is to reward you for the service you did in his kingdom. We wish you and pray to stay here in this world so that we will enjoy your company.

Clara says 11.6.2011, 11:48 p.m.

Happy Birthday Bro. Billy Graham. Prayers - we are going through something very similar, but We are hanging' on to God. Praying for you.

june says 11.6.2011, 06:41 a.m.

Always remember, God is with and watches over his children whether their life is high on the mountain or low in the valley, He is there. He loves you very much, please have faith and trust in Him. You will be rewarded in His time.

Phyllis says 11.5.2011, 11:35 p.m.

Happy Birthday, Billy Graham. I am 74, a grandmother and great grandmother. I am attending technical college to become a nurse. I am in good health and I want to help others. I love you and your wonderful family and I have participated in Operation Christmas Child. I love this verse, "Do it unto the least of these, and you have done it unto me."

Carol says 11.5.2011, 08:49 a.m.

I am a 51 year old single Christian women, within the since 2007 had health issues, close individuals die,have anxiety and depression, 4 herniated discs, couldn't walk, lost my job, moved 4 times, lost my life saving . I now do not have enough money for food or gas. I am a professional person with a Masters of Social Work and License in Social Work. I feel quite alone in this world because I have some family and friends who are having a difficult time understanding the difficulty of being unemployed. They often say and do hurtful things. I pray for patience and understanding. I pray for the Lord to pull me through and help me to love and forgive the way he does. Please pray for employment to use my gifts and talents. I love Jesus and find I am now closer to the Lord then ever. I find my faith in Jesus pulls me through and I continually quote Romans 8:5 All things work for good to those who trust in the Lord Jesus. I have to say the Lord has provided at times miraculously for me. He truly is faithful. I will pray for you Please pray for me. Thank you for this post it is inspiring. Blessings and his Love Carol

al says 11.5.2011, 02:47 a.m.

I went through this back in 87, I had nothing left except $360 in the bank for grocery and that night, I prayed and decided to open the bible and read: "Look at the birds in the air, they don't reap or sow but God feeds them, don't you think you are worth more than a bird", the next day, I saw an show on sponsoring a child, I called and give the $360 I had left for food, the next day I got a phone call, did a small job that paid $1600, I have never ran out of money since, God is good, I'm not rich and don't ask for wealth, I can lose all that I have but I do trust Him and He will feed me, He is amazing, He wants us to rely on Him not on ourselves.

Ephrem says 11.5.2011, 02:32 a.m.

M.R., God already knows what you need before you ask him. He will surely provide abundantly if you give priority to the Kingdom of God and what he requires, e.g., personal knowledge of God, as he really is, "life-giving Spirit", a.k.a.,"I Am Who I Am", found in the seal of the "new covenant", viz.: Christ's characteristic death on the cross! God bless you.(Matt. 6: 9, 33; 16:18; 26: 26-29, 64; 27: 50-56)

Mary Lou says 11.4.2011, 11:26 p.m.

M.R., Thank you for sharing your concern with others, I especially want to thank you as all the comments for you have helped me in my walk with Christ. Our testimonies can help out other Christians without our knowing it. I am always worrying as I am all alone here and have only SSD to live on. Reading all the comments made me look up a scripture of hope: Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

Bill says 11.4.2011, 8:02 p.m.

Being unemployed for a long period of time was the second worst trial of my entire life. (I'm almost 60 years old now) Looking back, all I can say now is that God was faithful to meet my BASIC NEEDS during that time and I got through that difficult time only because of Him. I have to admit that it was hard for me to trust Him at the time. But now I'm ashamed to admit that I ever doubted His love and care. Please know that I am praying for you as you go through this trial in your own life. As you have probably already heard, "Life is hard, but God is good".

Joyce says 11.4.2011, 8:02 p.m.

I have been a faithful follower of Billy Graham since 1961 when I first came to know the Lord. I have read the Decision magazine, and studied my bible. I am in a seniors small group where we have wonderful studies and prayer times. I have learned so much over these years and many times I don't know what I would do without the Word and my Savior, Jesus.

Elaine says 11.4.2011, 6:39 p.m.

Keep the faith. I know sometimes it is hard, but eventually God will bring you through. Bad times do not last always. You will look back on this one day and say, how I got over....with God's grace and mercy. We all are going through something. I only know to pray, have faith and believe in God. He is always on time.

Jeff says 11.4.2011, 6:32 p.m.

Discouragement is one of the most effective tools against believers in Christ. It is a snare that will trap us and keep us from doing what we were born to do. Frustration on the other hand will sometimes get us to change the direction on our pathway as believers and to help steer us in a direction that is more pleasing to God. Be careful with discouragement, Praise God even if you don't feel like it, give thanks to him for the little things each day and God will guide you through this "mine field" of troubling times. You are not alone, Reaching out to the Billy Graham organization was a smart step in the right direction, now reach out to someone in your community, someone you can trust and share your story with and allow others to help you and continue to encourage you.

Midge says 11.4.2011, 4:03 p.m.

We too have gone through so much in the past few years. I got cancer in 2007, my husband lost his business due to the economy in 2008, lost our home in 2009, went through bankruptcy 2011, as my husband who is 58 years old, a General Contractor who ran own business, and never worked for anyone else......cannot find enough work to pay bills. But amazingly God provides day by day, we don't know what the future holds....only WHO holds our future!! America needs to turn back to God!

Linda says 11.4.2011, 2:54 p.m.

(From a memorial service program of ...)"When there is nothing left but God,God is enough." May God Bless us all as we go on in His Shadow.

CSM says 11.4.2011, 2:46 p.m.

Our Heavenly Father builds our Faith with trials and tests, What do we value more? When we leave this physical life all the stuff is not what we value, yes we all desire to make a good living and to take care of our family and responsibilities. God knows are heart, I pray our Heavenly Father will keep you through these trying times.

Grace says 11.4.2011, 2:30 p.m.

Hi M.R.My husband did not have a job for 7 years. We had 5 children at that time. I knew how to pray "give us this day our daily bread" literally. I had to believe God for the impossible, day after day. I would say those 7 years of lack in the material sense, was 7 years of God's miracle working power, 7 years of growing in faith. and 7 years of God's revelation of Who He is in our lives. I encourage you to keep on keeping on. God knows prosperity. WAIT AND SEE. EXPECT. REMEMBER, HE IS GOD.

lackie says 11.4.2011, 2:20 p.m.

God has been with me in lean times and more prosperous times. God has been with me in times of extreme sorrow and over-the-top joy. The lord gives us everything we need and the very thing we need the most is Him. Please don't doubt God's love for you...he will be with you always...life on this earth with its trials and tribulations is so minuscule compared to the eternal life with Jesus we will have someday. Enjoy your life to its fullest with or without the financial circumstances you so desperately need. God reigns over all!

Kirsten says 11.4.2011, 1:48 p.m.

TVR - Yes, I understand where you are coming from. Been there and done that, not as long. But, do remember as you sit there not necessarily feeling sorry for yourself, but definitely dejected. Just remember that there are people out there that have less then you but yet keep a smile on their face and hope in their heart. That life will get better for all.

mm says 11.4.2011, 1:41 p.m.

Who else can we turn to if not to God! He is our creator, He controls life and death, He controls all things. So Great a God is He, turn all your troubles over to Him, you will find peace in an unpeaceful world, for He loves you and you should love Him above anything in this old world. We are in the world but not of it!!

Cheryl says 11.4.2011, 1:39 p.m.

Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." That is the bottom line for me. It's not about what I have, what I lose, or what I can get. In fact, it's not about me. It's about an eternal and awesome relationship with Him. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were about to be thrown in the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar asked them if their God could deliver them. They said that their God COULD deliver them, but EVEN IF He did not deliver them, they still would not bow down to his image.. or idol. Though He slay me, YET will I trust Him.

Bob says 11.4.2011, 1:20 p.m.

You can't name ANYONE in the bible who did not go through trials in life. God allows them as an opportunity for us to show our faith .. and I believe to also improve our life in the hereafter. Hence consider these two biblical verses.James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever troubles come your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is developed you will be strong in character and ready for anything.Hebrews 10:35 Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you. Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

TVR says 11.4.2011, 1:09 p.m.

It is not the trial or trouble that comes because I understand we all have them and we look for hope the He will bring us through, but when they continue without resolution that should be coming for the fifth year you begin to question, "Why?" "What it the purpose. Why does this have to go on year after year?" Belief in a bible verse does not offset the reality of the physical and emotional toll on you.

ken says 11.4.2011, 1:04 p.m.

When God closes one door he will open another one that is often a much better one.

Debbie says 11.4.2011, 1:04 p.m.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" Proverbs 3: 5,6

Janet says 11.4.2011, 12:59 a.m.

Praying that all will be well. God Grace is sufficient. 1 Corinth. 10:13.

Mr. T says 11.4.2011, 12:53 a.m.

The problem is that we owe a debt that we cannot pay. In the spiritual world, Christ paid the debt of our sin for us on the cross. WOW! I have been out of full-time work since June 2010. It is only "stuff" - I have been working 3 days per week unloading a truck at $8.25/hr yet I have an MBA. Humble yourself before the Lord - The last shall be first! The thing that has given me comfort is that God Knows where I am - His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over me! I call it the Joseph Principle - He was put in a pit - sold as a slave to Potipher, put into prison and then became Prime-Minister. I'd rather have Jesus than Silver or Gold - But I also want to make good on my obligations (Even though the turn in the economy is making that pretty hard to do!) - Peace, Grace, Hope, and Love!

Lavon says 10.19.2011, 10:33 a.m.

God uses things like this to humble us and draw us closer to Him. Sometimes we don't stop and realize that Jesus is all we need, until He is all we have.Keep your faith. God will never leave you. I will pray for you and your family.

Fancy says 10.19.2011, 01:43 a.m.

Don't give up yet, God is about to start a new chapter in your life. He has good plans for you.

marlene says 10.19.2011, 00:56 a.m.

My husband and I lost both our jobs ON THE SAME day! Like never before, we trusted God. We learned more about His divine time and grace. It was a terrible time but it was also the best thing that ever happened to us. We had time to draw close to God, hear His heart and trust for His provision, either other jobs or financially. And He came through for us. My husband is working again, and I can now focus on my mission in life which is singing about and for Him. I know when I say TRUST in god. He will provide. He will never leave you, not forsake you. He loves you too much.

Carrie says 10.19.2011, 00:29 a.m.

Just when you think there is no way out guess what; He has a plan for you. Also when it is at the worst He is working on your behalf way above and you will be suprised that a little faith will pull you all the way through this fiery furnice unscathed. I pray for your wellbeing.

Sally says 10.19.2011, 00:16 a.m.

Thanks you for the reminder that God is with us and the Jesus never promised material goods. When he said, "Follow me" it was to the cross not to another wedding party in Cana with free wine. So the scaling down we are all facing will bring miracles of love, relationship and caring if we choose to see the gift in being free of things. Just saying...

James says 10.18.2011, 11:17 p.m.

Working in the automobile industry, the downturn in our economy (or near collapse) has crippled our finances. Much like Job, we have lost almost all our savings trying to keep up with our mortgage and bills. But this time has brought me back to a strong, bible believing church where I have grown beyond my expectations. It has humbled me to the point where I can clearly see how I mishandled our finances in the past. And has brought me to complete surrender to a God who still hears His children's cries and answers them. It has taken nearly 4 years (God was working through my stubbornness), but He has given us a breakthrough and has shown me (through brokenness) how I should live to serve Him and not this world. It has been a tough 4 years but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. The lesson needed to be learned, and my Father had the patience to teach me!

Barbara says 10.18.2011, 11:06 p.m.

M.R. Don't doubt God's love for you even for a moment. He is faithful. Tests and trials come in life to everyone. Have you read about all the things that happened to the apostle Paul? Paul said he learned to be content with plenty or with nothing. Isn't that amazing? I often wonder if God doesn't have sometime special in mind when a Christian is in a hard testing area. Talk to him about it and trust him with it. Just most of all remember His love for you in Christ Jesus.

kelly says 10.18.2011, 10:33 p.m.

Prayers - we are going through something very similar, but I'm hangin' on to God. What do people DO who DON'T have faith? Praying for you.

Julie says 10.18.2011, 9:00 p.m.

Sometimes we go through very hard difficult things, no matter how hard it is, or how bad it is, God will get you through it, and you will do better. Don't ever be mad with God, or think He doesn't care, God Loves Us All So Much, and He Does Care about You, we have to pray and Trust Him, and Hang on to Him, He will bring you to a better place, I have heard others who have gone what you are going through and God gave them better than what they have now. Don't Give Up, Trust and Love God. And He will Keep you, and bring you to better places. Pray, and Don't Give Up. I will be praying for you too. In Christ.

David says 10.18.2011, 8:26 p.m.

God puts us in trouble to show others how we stand strong with Jesus and be an example to them of how to not give up. We as Christians testify to others by the way we live our life, not just with words. They see us smiling and being strong during tough times and our spirit touches them. God is using us to reach out to others. He always delivers us. There are times though when God puts us in trouble to show us something. He wants us to change something in our life that is not worthy of God and come back to the fold. Most bad things that happen to us are lessons for us and others. God will keep you sometimes in trouble for a long time but when he delivers us it is there for everyone to see. You are a vessel being used by God to do his work. Always praise Jesus on good days and bad. Keep looking toward Heaven.

flora says 10.18.2011, 8:06 p.m.

What shall separate us from the Love of God? Loss of job? Persecution? Loss of house? May God comfort you at such a time for I know it is not easy to go through trails or fires in life. Remember how father Abraham must have felt when God asked him to bring Issac on the altar! First, God promises to make Abraham into a great nation and then says, Bring your son as sacrifice! What a tough decision to make, but remember God will make a way for you to go through this fire in your life, and NOT TO SMELL like smoke (through your words/actions that don't honor God) God help us all. AMEN

karl says 10.18.2011, 8:06 p.m.

Hi M.R. I've got problems with money from January till June. It was a drought, I have a company and I have to pay the salary of 35 workers each month, not mention the car's installment, credit card, etc. I almost lost my faith, but I remember Joseph, when he foresaw the dream of the pharaoh and understood the meaning, its about 7 years of prosperity and 7 years of drought...Well in my case, it was reverse, 7 months of drought and 7 months of prosperity...In July I got an order that's sufficient for 3 months for my company, and things are really picking up... I did borrow from the bank and also use my car as a guarantee....Everything will be good in time and also on time.. HOLD ON MR !!!!

Tyw says 10.18.2011, 7:50 p.m.

God loved you when you were still a sinner. How much more now that you are a believer? Just like after the Great Flood, I know you too will see a beautiful rainbow in the sky, IF you don't let yourself be drowned.

christine says 10.18.2011, 7:40 p.m.

This word is just on time in my needs. Thank you God for the encouragement, help me to continue to walk with you by faith that my dreams will be fulfilled. in Jesus name, Amen.

Todd says 10.18.2011, 06:21 a.m.

M.R.I don't know you but I will be praying that you find employment real soon.