When I wrote Money, How to Be Rich Without It and How to Stretch It Using Ten Hints from the Past and the Technology of Today, America and most of the world had just come out of the Great Recession of 2008-2009 and people were still struggling with how to make ends meet after losing jobs and investment money.
The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has yet again forced us to think of ways to cut corners. Many have lost their jobs. The hope is that those jobs will be recovered, but unfortunately, not all will. Even those who have not lost their jobs have realized that staying home can be a money saver. The most economical meals can be those you prepare at home. Leaving your vehicles in the garage saves gas money and wear and tear on the cars themselves. Only shopping when necessary cuts down on that usage. Not wandering through malls or favorite brick and mortar stores prevents impulse buying. Many have discovered new ways of creativity – in connecting, entertainment, learning, cooking and even worship. Thankfully, we have the Technology of Today to aid us in our learning and our sharing.
Often we only think of ways of saving money when we have to – when bills pile up, when we lose a job or when a crisis happens. The reality is, though, that good stewardship is never a bad idea. Those who had the ability to “save for a rainy day” are better off than some others but even savings can get used up quickly.
The encouraging thing about this current crisis are the stories of people helping people. On April 14, 2020, The New York Times published an article by Taylor Lorenz entitled “The News is Making People Anxious. You’ll Never Believe What They’re Reading Instead”. She said that “google searches for ‘good news’ spiked about a month ago and have only continued to rise.” Her article also included the following.
David Beard, the executive director for newsletters at National Geographic, said that the demand for good news right now is unlike anything he’s seen before. “People are looking for a reason to go on,” he said.
The New York Times article focused on “good news” newsletters, YouTube videos, Facebook posts, instagrams and blogs. It is certainly refreshing to read about good things that people are doing during this crisis but as a Christian, I know where the real good news is. It’s in God’s Word. It’s the gospel which literally means “good news”. The good news is the story of Jesus’ birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, His resurrection and His offer of salvation to those who ask Him to forgive their sin and trust in Him. The good news is that He is right now interceding for those who do trust Him.
What does a pandemic, forced saving and salvation have in common? The forced quarantine has not only given people new ways of thinking about saving money, but it has actually given people time to think. Period. When you have time to think, you often do a self examination. You consider what is important in life. The most important thing in life is what you do about the gift of salvation that God has offered through Jesus Christ. Looking for a reason to go on? God loves you. Are you a believer? If not, you can trust Him today. If you are, know that He will give you guidance for every decision you need to make.
Stretch Your Money 