Every week here in Nigeria, you are met with increased prices for goods and services and when you protest and insist on paying the old prices, they ask you a rhetorical question, “Are you not aware that the price of fuel has increased?” If you want to be realistic, you know that they are not lying. The price of fuel is a major driver of the prices of most goods and services because of the lack of electricity and fuel powers transportation. These vendors have no option than to pass these additional costs to the end users.
Many Christians are feeling anxious, angry or helpless especially those who are in paid employment. Their salaries are mostly fixed and are only reviewed on a yearly basis so feel the brunt of the inflation the most. The Bible does not ignore economic hardships rather it speaks directly to how Christians should respond in times like this. This post is not one for apportioning blame on the government but one about the application of biblical principles and godly wisdom to wade through difficult times like this.
What Does the Bible Say About Economic Hardship?
Let’s examine similar situations in the Bible, what they did, and what we can learn from their experiences.
Famine in the Bible
Abraham, called Abram at the time, had to immigrate to Egypt to avoid the famine that was in the land at the time. Just like Abrahma, In Genesis 26:1, Isaac also experienced a famine and had to move to Gerar to be with Abimelek, the King of the Philistines. Later on, Joseph, after interpreting the dream of Pharaoh of Egypt, saw famine as his dream had predicted.
Paul’s Experience –“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry” (Philippians 4:12).
Paul in this verse talks about having contentment in different seasons, where there is plenty and where there is lack. He advocates for contentment which he declared as a secret to pull through difficult times.
Early Church Poverty
We should learn from the early church as it is recorded that it experienced two contradictions, overflowing joy and extreme poverty. Yet, they gave generously.
4 Biblical Responses to Rising Prices
1. Pray, Don’t Panic
We are instructed as Christians to pray for our daily bread i.e sustenance for today instead of being anxious or panicking over what we lack. Panic is a terrible state that when you dwell in for too long leads to fatal mistakes that can hurt you spiritually and financially. For example, taking a loan with sky-high interest from when you are in need of money would put you in a financial mess.
2. Re‑evaluate Your Needs vs. Wants
Like the famous saying goes, “Cut your coat according to your size.” The best time to cut your coat according to your size is in the midst of an economic downturn. Proverbs 30:8 says “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” Evaluate what you really need and cut out wastage. You can adjust the hours you turn on your generator to make savings on your weekly generator bill. In the season of economic downturn, reevaluating your expenses can bring spiritual clarity and get you realigned with God.
3. Look for Ways to Help Others (Even When You’re Struggling)
Proverbs 19:17 says “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and he will give a reward to the lender. Do not hold back on being kind during a time of economic crisis. You may think your situation is worse off but there are people out there who are going through a worse situation. Like they say, sharing is caring.
4. Trust God as Your Ultimate Provider
Matthew 6:26 gives us an analogy about the birds that never go hungry. This means the father is always willing to give to us in his abundance. Trust in him as he is the ultimate provider. Work harder and he will bless the work of your hands.
What Not to Do in an Economic Crisis
- Don’t curse the government – Romans 13:1 calls for respect, even when we disagree. The Bible is clear on how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians in relation to the government of the day. We are called to respect them as thy are established by God. Don’t curse them rather proffer solutions or reach out to your representatives in the legislative houses to lodge your complaints or offer your solutions.
- Don’t fall into gambling or “get rich quick” schemes – Proverbs 28:20 warns against dishonest gain. Guard your heart with all diligence from all evil. This includes schemes that can trick you into doubling your money. Recall the CBEX investment platform where investors lost over $1billion here in Nigeria? Such platforms offer mouth watering returns to investors thereby luring them into their ponzi scheme where they end up losing all their money. Avoid these schemes including gambling or other get-rich-quick schemes. Gambling doesn’t look good on Christians because it does edify the body of God.
- Don’t isolate yourself – Surviving economic stress is easier when you are in a community, Hebrews 10:24–25 instructs. Maintain your commitment to church during the season of hardship. Many christians can testify to hearing of a business idea or a government grant or scheme that changed their lives in church. This is the time you need the fellowship of believers like you the most.
- Don’t lose hope – God’s mercies are new every morning. Lastly, do not lose hope. Recall that in Lamentations 3:21–23, the Bible says God’s mercies are new everyday.
Practical Steps for Managing Your Money When Prices Rise
Below are the steps you can take to manage your money wisely:
- Track your spending for one week – you may find small leaks (data subscriptions, daily snacks).
- Cook at home more often – eating out is a luxury in a crisis.
- Join a cooperative (esusu) – trusted group saving can help with large expenses.
- Sell unused items – one person’s clutter is another’s need.
- Talk to your church – many churches have support funds for members in crisis.
A Nigerian Christian’s Testimony
“Last June, fuel prices doubled and rice hit ₦90,000. I’m a single mother of two, a teacher. My salary couldn’t cope anymore.
A church member told me about a free government training program – virtual assistant, graphics design, data entry. I chose VA training. Three months of weekends in a hot classroom. It was hard, but I finished.
After two months of applying, a UK client offered me a full-time VA role that was double my teaching salary. I resigned. Now I work from home, make school lunches between emails, and pick up my children myself.
God didn’t drop money from heaven. He sent a church member, a program that worked, and a client across the ocean. I learned: God provides through people not just miracles.”
-Tinu A.
A Prayer for Economic Trust
Father, prices are rising and my heart is worried. I see how much things cost, food, transport, school fees and I feel the weight. Help me to remember that You own everything: the silver, the gold, and even the smallest kobo.
None of it comes from the economy or my own efforts alone. It all belongs to You. Give me wisdom to manage what I have, to cut what is unnecessary, and to plan for what is ahead. Grant me grace to share with others, even when I feel I have little. And above all, give me that peace that passes understanding the kind that does not depend on my bank balance.
Lord, I admit that I am tempted to panic. I am tempted to trust in savings, connections, or side hustles more than I trust You. Forgive me. Today, I choose to put my confidence in You not in the price of oil, not in the exchange rate, not in the promises of politicians. You fed Israel in the wilderness. You sent ravens to Elijah. You know what I need before I ask. So I lay my worries at Your feet. I trust You, not the economy. Amen.
Conclusion
Economic hardship is not a sign that God has abandoned you rather everyone is affected. I understand that it can be a difficult time but there are many examples in the Bible for us to emulate to stay grounded amidst the challenges. Keep praying for your daily bread, while not being anxious. Keep trusting God for your sustenance as God is your ultimate provider.
Call to Action
How has rising prices affected your family’s faith? What is one small way you’ve seen God provide recently? Share in the comments to encourage others.
