Faith When The Math Doesn’t Work: Trusting God In Financial Uncertainty
“I’m not living beyond my means—I just don’t have enough means.”
That’s what someone recently told me. And I felt the weight of it. Maybe you’ve been there too—working hard, being responsible, trying to make wise choices—and yet still feeling like you can’t catch a break. Rent increases. Groceries cost more. Your car suddenly needs repairs. It’s not that you’re being careless; you’re just overwhelmed. You’re treading water financially, but the tide keeps rising.
If that’s you, hear this: You are not alone. And you are not forgotten. In fact, Scripture speaks directly to that struggle in one of the most powerful stories in the Old Testament.
A Dried-Up Brook and a Dying Hope
In 1 Kings 17, we find the prophet Elijah in a time of national crisis. Israel is deep in rebellion under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, and God has brought a drought as judgment. Elijah has been hiding, surviving off water from a brook and food delivered by ravens. But then, the brook dries up.
Ever felt that? You’re doing your best. You’re being faithful. And just when you think you’ve got at least one thing going for you—even that dries up.
That’s where Elijah is. But God tells him to go to Zarephath—a Gentile region, enemy territory—and seek out a widow who will provide for him. Not a wealthy benefactor. Not a landowner. A widow. One who is poor, vulnerable, and on the brink of starvation.
When Elijah finds her, she’s gathering sticks to prepare what she believes will be her final meal. She’s down to her last handful of flour and a little oil. When Elijah asks for bread, she tells him she has nothing left. But Elijah responds, “Don’t be afraid… put God first.”
And she does.
And that’s when the miracle happens.
“The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry…” (1 Kings 17:16)
Faith Doesn’t Always Make Sense
This moment is so important because it reflects a core truth of the spiritual life:
Faith isn’t obedience when everything makes sense. Faith is obedience when nothing does.
It’s not logical to give away your last meal.
It’s not rational to tithe when the bills are piling up.
It’s not comfortable to serve when you’re exhausted.
But that’s what faith does.
Faith defies logic, pushes past fear, and chooses to trust God above what we can see.
Jesus pointed to this kind of faith too. In Mark 12, He watches people putting their offerings into the temple treasury. The rich give large sums. But Jesus notices a poor widow who drops in two small coins—all she had left. And He honors her. Not because of the amount, but because of her faith.
That kind of trust still moves God today.
For the Poor… and the Rich
Let’s be honest—when life gets tight, one of the first areas we start to withhold is generosity. We think, “God understands. I’ll give when things are better.” But Scripture never gives financial faithfulness a pass—whether you have a lot or a little. Because giving isn’t about the amount. It’s about who you trust.
If you’re living with little—your faithful giving is a bold declaration that God is your provider.
If you’re living with plenty—your giving is a test of whether God still comes first.
Cain brought an offering too—but it lacked faith. Abel’s was accepted because it was offered in faith. The difference wasn’t what was brought. It was how it was brought.
We love to substitute financial generosity with time or service. And while those matter deeply, Scripture never replaces financial obedience with anything else. Why? Because money is where we are most tempted to place our trust.
Refined by Faith
Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern over and over:
Abraham left his homeland, not knowing where God would lead.
Noah built a boat before the first drop of rain.
Moses stood before Pharaoh armed with nothing but faith.
Ruth followed Naomi into poverty, trusting God’s plan.
Peter stepped onto water because Jesus said, “Come.”
Mary believed the angel when no one else would.
None of it made sense. But all of it built a life that lasted.
And at the center of it all—Jesus Himself.
The cross didn’t make sense.
Victory didn’t look like death.
And yet, Jesus’ death led to resurrection—and resurrection to eternal life for all who believe.
Faith chooses to obey God by putting Him first—even when it doesn’t make sense.
What About You?
So where is your jar of flour running low?
Where is your oil about to run out?
Where does God seem to be asking you to put Him first—when it feels like you can’t?
Here’s the invitation: Trust Him again. Obey Him anyway. Put Him first—even when the math doesn’t work.
Because when you do, you may just find that your jar doesn’t run dry. Not because the math changed, but because God showed up in ways only He can.