It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another. (Nelson Mandela, late South African leader)

There is a Bible story about Moses, the leader of Israel in the Exodus. God had told him to approach the Egyptian ruler to seek the nation’s freedom. Moses began to make excuses about his inability, and God asks, “What is that in your hand?” It wasn’t much, just a stick, but God was making Mandela’s point: use what you have. That’s the place to begin.

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5)