First, pray about other options first, because sometimes there are other ways to get through a hard situation. When the belt is as tight as it can get and a situation arises, go to the next step. Second, if family members, friends, government programs, or other options are available instead of borrowing from the emergency fund, use them. Sometimes it just takes swallowing your pride and asking for help in order to keep that nest egg safe. Finally, pray about it again and seek God for an alternative until you have a peace about your decision. When all is said and done, here are some legitimate reasons that people choose to borrow from the emergency fund:

1. There is no other choice. The emergency fund is designed for use in emergencies, so if there is no other choice and the situation is a real emergency, then it may have to be used. Surgery not covered by health insurance, auto accidents, legal situations, or home crises (such as burst water pipes) are examples of common emergency situations that require fast attention.
2. You have job security to replace the funds quickly. For example, if spending the money fixes a serious issue and the money can easily be replaced at payday, then sometimes the emergency fund is a viable option. There is no point in going into debt when the money can be easily accessed and refunded quickly.  The whole point of the emergency fund is to keep you out of credit card and other such short-term, consumer type debt.  If it can’t be put back in a timely manner, go back to thinking about other options and pray again.  If there is no other option, stop savings or other investments and drip-feed funds back into the emergency fund until it is fully funded again.
3. The opportunity can’t wait, but is not an emergency. Savvy investors sometimes see an opportunity to grab a smart investment, but these chances rarely give the investor a lot of time to think about the situation. When you are absolutely at peace with the decision to invest (pray some more first), still DON’T use the emergency fund!  You should be saving funds elsewhere for these types of situations.

These are all common reasons that people wind up borrowing from their emergency funds, but when the Lord is not leading you to do it, just wait. You might rob yourself—and someone else—of an opportunity to bless you simply because you weren’t willing to wait a little longer. A true emergency is a different story, which is what the fund is designed to accommodate. Trust God, trust your instincts after you pray for guidance, and replace the money as soon as possible if it does get utilised. Be smart, but don’t use just any excuse to access that nest egg.

Remember this Scripture:

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” –Jeremiah 33:3 ESV