What Is Your Money Worth?

It sounds like fiction, but it was very real.

Recovering from defeat in World War I, Germany fell into an unprecedented economic spiral. The value of its currency (the mark) plummeted. Prices rose fortyfold during 1922. By late 1923, prices doubled every few days.

In August 1923, an American dollar was worth 620,000 marks, and by early November 1923, it was worth 630 billion! Because of the hyperinflation, housewives often used wheelbarrows to carry money for the purchase of a single loaf of bread.

As a solution, a new currency, the Rentenmark, was developed. It was introduced on this day in 1923. Although the impact was positive, the lingering impact of hyperinflation continued to be felt, and this helped lead to the rise of Nazism.

In our time, we have seen our share of economic ups and downs. But one thing is clear: On earth, there are no permanent solutions. There always will be ups and downs of various kinds.

The Bible reminds us that God is sovereign over every situation. He can turn around any situation, just as He did for Israel during the time of Elisha.

Facing a powerful siege, Israel experienced a severe famine. But Elisha predicted there would be an immediate turnaround. Even though most people thought this was impossible, the famine ended just as God had declared through Elisha.

No matter what the situation may be, remember that you can trust in God. Jesus taught that you are not to worry but must “seek first His kingdom,” confident that “all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:25-33). His principles always are true, and we always Reap what we Sow (Galatians 6:7).

Remember: God knows the future. Trust your life to Him. Stay faithful.