April 23^rd, 2009 by Stephanie B

 Question

My dad was laid off last week and I am so worried about what's going to happen to my family.  How are we going to be able to afford anything?  So many people are unemployed right now.  I'm scared that my dad won't be able to find work. 

Answer 

I’m very sorry that you’re family is struggling. It’s definitely scary when a family member is laid off. The financial security a family once had is no longer there. One positive thing about struggling financially or in any other way is that it provides us with an opportunity to grow closer to God as we depend on Him for provisions.

Jesus tells us that God will take care of our needs if we seek His kingdom first. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34.

Your dad’s lay off doesn’t necessarily mean that your family will be without income. Unemployment is available for your dad, which would provide income for your family while he is looking for a new job. It probably won’t match his former salary, but it’ll be good to have that help however much it amounts to. Also, your parents may have saved money in case of emergencies such as this one. You just don’t know.

Ultimately, this is not your burden to bear. Your parents are responsible for providing for the family. I can understand your fear of your father not being able to find work, but that is your dad’s responsibility, not yours. Worrying won’t change things, but prayer can. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7.

Try talking to your parents about your fears. Maybe they can offer you some reassurance that things really aren’t as bad as they seem right now. It will be a struggle, for sure, but you will make it through.

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