Andy Takes Up Tent-Making

by Andy Huddlestonand Angela Lathrom

Posted on December 21, 2020 at 06:00 AM

Step 1: Listen to the Podcast

And because he (Paul) was of the same trade he stayed with (Aquila and Priscilla) and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.

Acts 18:3-4

Step 2: Read the Devotional

In 1 Timothy 5:18, Paul makes the Biblical principle clear: "... The laborer is worthy of his wages." Nevertheless there may be times when the need is greater than the provision through ministry support.

While Paul writes primarily in a negative way about tent-making, he describes many seasons in which that is just what he did. In Andy's first few year in missions refinishing antiques on the weekends kept food (and coffee) on the table. yet, while Andy was builidng furniture, God was building his Go-Team.

When the donor support does not match the ministry need, it can be tempting to question why God has temporarily allowed the coffers to dry up. Neverthess, we know that God is faithful and always right on time. He may be preparing the hearts or finances of the giver, He may be working on the hearts of the receiver, preparing them to receive. Often it is a combination of both. But neighter time, nor money, is ever wasted in God's economy.

In faith we are called to watch expectantly for God's work in the interim between need and provision. Consider His refiing work:

  1. You have an opportunity to conscientiously learn to get by on less for a season. In His wisdom, God is always cultivating the sweet fruit of contentment in His children.
  2. You may need to be willing to work in a paying job if that is what God has for you for a period of time. Working for a wage is biblical. There is likely someone in need of ministry right in your work place. A servant of God will see the need when he or she allows the line between ministry and work to blur.
  3. Still, be bold in the request of your team. Express the need in faith, then wit expectantly for God's provision.

Andy confessed: "If they all forsake me, Lord, You won't forsake me." While we believe in faith that God will never leave us, we won't be tempted to walk away from His call on our lives. The motivating drive in His children must never waiver from: "I'm going to serv You, Lord." Ask Him to cultivate that kind of faith in your ministry.

Step 3: Pray and Reflect

Ask God for His refining work as you wait for His provision.

Reflect upon the teaching you have just heard and read as you answer the folloiwng questions.

  1. Describe a time when God's provision has disappointed you.
  2. Identify times in your life that you have:
    • Had to cultivate a spirit of contentment during a season of want.
    • Had to "tent-make" to provide for your won basic needs.
    • Received more than you had asked for.
  3. Recall a time when the lines between ministry and work blurred for you? What divine appointments had God prepared for you int he workforce?
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MEI

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and i know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have leard to be both full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.