In my leadership roles, I have been captivated by allocating and stewarding scarce resources. As I navigate this journey with a Christian worldview, I sometimes question if my own mindset is fundamentally flawed.

Do I genuinely believe that resources are scarce? This might seem like a naive question, but it warrants reflection. One doesn’t need an economics degree to know that time, money, and energy are finite in our world, and every decision involves trade-offs. As Greg McKeown of “Essentialism” fame states, “Every yes to something is a no to something else.” And I wholeheartedly agree with this principle.

However, I have experienced moments where resources seemed to appear "from thin air." Does this challenge the notion of scarcity? Recently, I read about how God provided water from a rock for the Israelites in the desert. It is a miraculous event, but can such miracles have modern parallels?

I’ve seen a few.

A close friend often tells his team, “Trust me, despite how things look now, the phone will ring.” For the past 16 years, through prayer and trust in a good Father, his faith has been rewarded with timely revenue and new clients. His experience suggests that sometimes resources emerge unexpectedly.

Years ago, I consulted for a non-profit organization struggling with severe financial issues. They had no income and significant debt. We devised a strategic plan, which they executed diligently. Surprisingly, 90% of the funds they received after that came from sources unrelated to our plan. It felt like water from a rock—provision from unexpected places.

Another wise friend, seasoned in business and ministry work, shared this perspective: “If it is God’s plan, He will provide. God has no lack of resources. But if it is your plan, you must provide.” Initially, this seemed like a catchy sermon framework, relevant mainly in church settings. But does this belief hold in the business world? And what does it imply for stewarding our resources?

My conclusion is that the principle of stewardship transcends the notion of scarcity. I do not aim to steward well solely because resources are or are not scarce. I aim to steward well because it reflects trustworthiness. I aim to steward well because I have been “lent” these gifts of time, finances and energy for a limited period and I will surely give an account to the real owner.

The Bible teaches that those who can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much.

Stewardship, therefore, is about demonstrating reliability and faithfulness. It is about managing what we have with integrity and diligence, regardless of perceived scarcity. It is about acknowledging that while we operate within finite limits, we can (and do) also experience moments of unexpected provision. There is no lack of resources in God’s Kingdom.

In business, we often face decisions that require balancing perceived limited resources. Yet, acknowledging a loving Father’s provision can reshape our approach. It encourages us to plan and work diligently, while also remaining open to His hand at work.

This mindset does not negate the importance of strategic planning and wise decision-making. Instead, it complements it with a sense of humility and trust. It is about recognizing our role in managing resources faithfully while staying attuned to possibilities beyond our control.

As leaders, we must balance practical wisdom with faith. We must plan meticulously, work hard, and be prudent. At the same time, we must remain open to the miraculous and the unexpected and when prompted by God, be prepared to take risk for His plans and purposes. By doing so, we honour both our responsibilities and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond our efforts.

In essence, stewardship is not about hoarding resources out of fear of scarcity (burying your talent anyone?). It is about managing them wisely, trusting in God’s provision, and demonstrating that we can be trusted with both little and much.

What if we believed that there is enough time and resources available to do all the God requires and wonderfully invites us into. Perhaps we would ask Him more about what He wants and how we are to manage all He has entrusted to us.

That, in my mind, is what good stewardship is all about.