Take a Lesson from the Ants!

Debt is a huge burden for many. I want to encourage you to declare war on debt and set up a plan to build financial freedom. 

Many are living above their means and struggling to keep their heads above water. They feel overwhelmed by debt. As debt levels rise, cash flow shrinks, leaving less money in one’s pocket. 

It is against this backdrop that I want to encourage you to build margin into your budget and save. You do not need to live under the shackles of debt. You can choose to break the debt cycle. You can live within your means, and you can build up savings for that rainy day.

Today, I want to ask you to “take a lesson from the ants” and follow their example of setting a portion of your earnings aside so that you can build up a reserve savings fund. 

The Lesson from the Ants…

Today, I want to share some wisdom with you that comes from the ANTS…

“Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.” (Proverbs 6.6-8)

Have you ever gone through a “winter season” with your finances?

Unfortunately, things break down. Cars sometimes conk in. There are times when the fridge or the washing machine finally dies. Extra bills that hit us unexpectedly from time to time that were not budgeted for. Often, a few things happen at once. 

Look at the savings pattern of the ant: 

They set aside a portion of their harvest in summer for the winter. 

Are you taking a portion of each paycheck and setting this aside in savings and investments for just such a time as this?

If you do, you will have reserve funds available. You can use these emergency funds to fix the car, buy a new fridge, or cover unexpected bills that were not budgeted for. 

Setting up a reserve is like creating your own overdraft facility. Instead of paying interest on a loan, you will generate interest on savings. By creating your own overdraft reserve, you will have funds available to cover those unexpected costs that can derail you and mess up your cash flow. So plan ahead!  

You can plan for winter. You do not need to be caught off guard when winter comes!

You don’t need to be left feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. 

Learn from the ants; set some of your harvests aside for the winter. 

Set aside some of your money to build up a reserve fund. Build this into your budget. 

As Bill Hybels states in his book Simplicity, setting funds aside for emergencies “brings simplicity to my life.” 

He writes, “I’m not overwhelmed, even when unforeseen expenses land in my lap. When you’re fully reconciled to God financially, and you live your life accordingly, no “winter blizzard” has the power to overwhelm you. Being prepared takes the stress out.”

“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” (Proverbs 21.20)

We all face storms in life.

We all go through seasons. 

Summer financial seasons are usually good. Winter financial seasons are often cold and hard. 

Don’t be caught off guard by the storms of life. Don’t be caught off guard if you experience a winter in your finances. Make provision. Learn from the ant. Simplify your life by saving and by building up an emergency fund if the unexpected happens. 

“The wise are cautious and avoid danger, fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.” (Proverb 14.16)

Interesting Fact

Your car has a reserve tank so that if you run low on fuel, the warning light comes on. You then have some extra fuel to get to your nearest fuel station.

In the same way, save some of your money and set it aside in a savings account. This will become your “emergency reserve fund” for when you are running low on cash flow.

Power Quotes of the Week

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-seller Rich Dad Poor Dad, said:

“Start small. Dream big.”

He also said, “Hoping drains your energy. Action creates energy.”

Make a start, even if it is small. Take action and follow through.

What Does God Have to Say?

Learn the secret to being content…

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him (Jesus Christ) who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

You can live every day with God at your side. He wants to do life with you.

If you are not in a relationship with God, what are you waiting for?

God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to make a way so that we can be connected to Him.

He wants to walk the journey of life with you and even made a way for you to share eternity with Him.

Invite Jesus into your life to be your Lord and Savior. He wants to walk the journey of life with you. And, not just during your temporary life on earth, but He also wants to spend eternity with you.

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to rescue me. Jesus, I ask You to be my Lord and Savior.

Thank You for paying the price on the cross for me so that I could be set free and have a close relationship with You.

Today, I put my life in Your hands, and I thank You that I can rely on You. I surrender my life to You, and I thank You that You are my strength. Even when I am weak, I can be strong in You. Today, I put my hope in You. I ask for your abundant favor to be poured out on my life. I ask for a new beginning, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, please let us know. We would love to pray for you and send you an incredible eBook to help you on your journey with God.

Take a lesson from the ants and build up a savings reserve. And above all, know that you do not need to face life alone. Put your life in God’s hands. He wants to be your hope and your strength.

God bless you.