Sustainability - Housing and Income

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses,

who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great

strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the

Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD" (Isa 31:1).

The next step in the sustainability plan includes physical assets and human assets. 

This includes a woman's basic need for housing, food and  (shelter and security), but also being able to acquire it.  It means being knowledgeable about how it is accessed, the services available and knowledge on how to use services to get what is needed.

Human assets refer to a woman's employability.  It may be determined by her skills, knowledge, experience, education and ability to manage or lead.  It may also relate to her health and physical abilities. 

Though many women have skills, finding housing or employment might be another matter. 

DOES GOD PROVIDE?

While God says not to worry for he cares for you as much as he cares for the sparrows, and while the word says he will supply all your needs, he doesn't necessarily rain manna.  He has another equation which is that of sowing and reaping.  He gives us free will to choose and use our noggin.  He discourages slothfulness, laziness and idleness. 

We might choose right or choose wrong.  If we choose wrong, we pay consequences.  We might consult God, or we might think we can do it on our own.  Or, at times, God will allow us to go through strained times, for his own reasons, no matter how sincere and abiding we are.

RELIANCE ON OTHERS

Looking at the previous post and the scripture about the chord of 3 strands, relying on others is often part of the equation for human and physical sustainability. If a woman is self-employed, she relies on paying clients.  If she works for someone, she is reliant on the revenue earned by the company she works for.  Or, she may be reliant on her husband's income.  She might even have to rely on social services.  Even if she's employed, her income may be so low she can hardly make ends meet.

I have lived in both plenty and want.  Circumstances can change quickly. 

THE HIGH COST OF DIVORCE

One thing I want to warn women who might be pondering divorce is that unless there are true reasons for it (and in some case there are), doing so out of a fantasy of some magical life alone isn't going to cut it.  Women who split up often end up in poverty situations.  They no longer have the (usual) higher wage of their spouse to rely on.  They have to pay rent or housing on their own--he no longer will pitch in.  There is a high cost to breaking ties this way.  

WHERE ARE YOU IN THIS SUSTAINABILITY POINT?

Where are you right now? 
Are you self-sustaining? 
Are you reliant on others? 
If so, how secure are the resources from others? 
Does your spouse have good life insurance?
Do you and/or your spouse have investments?

Do you know what your employability skills are?
Are you developing them?

What do you sense God is telling you about what he wants you to do in this area?
Is it time to reach out for help?
Is it time to visit an employment agency?

Is your housing adequate?
Do you have a plan for how your housing will be self-sustaining for many years?  What needs to change to make it so?

What do you want God to know?
Have you spoken to God about your situation, whether happy and thriving or not?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.