Dear Friends:
A commentary on a verse from this week's parasha reminds me of how synagogues often conduct their budgeting process.
In parashat Tzav we read: "And the flesh of his thanksgiving sacrifice of well-being shall be eaten on the day that it is offered; none of it shall be set aside until morning." (Lev. 7:15)
The todah, thanksgiving offer, was brought by an individual in gratitude for escaping a life threatening disaster. Our Etz Hayyim commentary says: "The Talmud (BT 54b) identifies the circumstances in which a person should bring a todah: when one safely completed a dangerous journey, recovered from illness, was released from confinement, or survived other dangers. The custom continues to this day in the Gomel blessing offered in the synagogue, during the Torah reading, by a worshipper who has avoided or survived misfortune." (p. 618)
The author of Meorah Shel Torah takes special note of the fact that the bringer of the todah offering has to consume it the very day it is brought. He or she is not allowed to leave any of it over until morning.
Meorah Shel Torah explains this ordinance in the following way: a person who has experienced the miracle of deliverance should be overwhelmed with gratitude and their faith in God strengthened. If 
they left any of their offering over it would signal that they do not believe they will not have sufficient food the next day. This is what are sages refer to when they said: "The person who asks 'what will I eat tomorrow" is a person of little faith. (Meorah Shel Torah, Vayikra, p. 31) Therefore none of the sacrifice may be left for the next day. They must have faith that God will provide.
I know many synagogues that apply this spiritual teaching to budgetary practice. When confronting a potential deficit they do not come up with concrete solutions to increase income or reduce expenses. Even if Board members never attend weekday, Shabbat, or holiday services, they have faith. "God will provide" they say as they approve a deficit budget.
It is not only synagogues and institutions (and governments?) that live by this faith. Many families and individuals do as well. They live beyond their means, on loans and credit cards, believing that one day "God will provide" and wipe out all of their debts.
In this context I would argue "God will provide" is not a statement of faith, but rather of avoiding responsibility. While faith and positivity are critical to living happy and meaningful lives, they are only guides for helping us achieve success. We also have to put in the work and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve our own well-being.
"God will provide" is a statement of faith. "God helps those who help themselves" is reality.
