It is hard to remain calm when you have bills to pay, children to feed, and creditors pressing for answers. The burden on your shoulders can feel so heavy that some come to believe God no longer hears their prayers or even consider suicide as a way out.
Not long ago, I spoke with someone who was not a Christian and had gone through a very challenging situation in the United States. He told me that when he arrived in the country, he had absolutely nothing and was forced to beg for 89 cents to buy instant soup. He sought help in moments of great need, and only the Catholic Church offered him support. Over time, his situation improved. Today, he is not wealthy, but he has managed to provide for his family.
What struck me most was a comment he made. He said that during his crisis, he had to turn to several homeless shelters to get food. These aid centers are often run by Catholic-related churches, such as Presbyterians, Anglicans, or Charismatic Catholics. He wondered why evangelical Christians seem to shy away from this responsibility, which was clearly taught by Jesus and faithfully practiced by His disciples, as shown in the book of Acts:
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.’” Acts 6:1-3.
In the time of the disciples, they not only cared for Israelite widows but also for Gentile (Greek) widows. It was a fundamental task that seems to have lost priority today.
In our time, many churches focus their efforts on “entertaining” attendees. They aim to maintain their meeting spaces in optimal condition, with carpets, comfortable seating, modern sound systems, giant screens, and projectors. However, they often neglect the needs of their members, though there are exceptions to this rule. Scripture says, “and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” This practice was carried out daily by the disciples, demonstrating that, in the early days of the church, the priority was not the “physical temples” but the “spiritual temples”—that is, people. Helping fellow believers who lacked food and sought support in times of great need was, for the apostles, the primary activity after preaching and prayer.
The apostles also sought help in times of need.
Even the apostle Paul experienced moments of great need, as he acknowledged to the Philippians. This provides an answer to the problems of unemployment or hunger:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” Philippians 4:10-17.
Paul desired that his brothers and sisters in Philippi reap “fruit,” a spiritual benefit that would ultimately be for their own good. Let us remember that Jesus said it is better to give than to receive. If brothers and sisters in the faith who are employed and can shop weekly and pay all their bills supported those who have lost their jobs, the situation would be vastly different.
For example, in a congregation of 100 people, if 20 have lost their jobs, the other 80 could help. Some could bring food, while others could contribute money to cover basic needs like water and electricity. Simply saying “we are with you” is not enough; support must be demonstrated through actions, not just words or good intentions.
This is a call to those brothers and sisters who have not yet extended their hand to help another: do it now! It’s not just about material assistance but about showing Christ’s love in a tangible way. To you who are going through a difficult economic situation and feel like there is no way out, I ask you to have patience. I know it is not easy, but God’s Word says: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5.
God has not forgotten you, even if many whom He has sent to help you have. Do not blame them; they may not understand their responsibility to support their brothers and sisters. Do not despair, for God promises to come to your aid if you trust in Him. Above all, pray for your brothers and sisters and cry out to God, for He always responds to those who cry out with a sincere heart.
Remember that trials, although difficult, can be an opportunity for our faith to grow and for us to learn to rely fully on God. Keep hope alive, knowing that God is in control and, in His perfect timing, will bring the solution you need. You are not alone; the Lord is with you, and if you trust in Him, you will soon see His hand working in your favor.
