Why do some of God's workers take such smug satisfaction in struggling and being poor?

The title is the question.  I was talking to a college student recently who was changing her major from social work to business.  I jokingly said something like "Oh, decided you didn't want to be poor huh?". 

She was offended.  Her goal was to be a missionary and she was extremely proud (and smug) about disavowing money.  She was proud of the fact that she had nothing and that she had no interest in money.  She just wanted to "help people". 

It's as if she didn't know Scripture at all.  Here is what God says He will provide in support of our good works on His behalf.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8(NKJV)

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 

Now how much more effective do you think she would be at helping people if she had all of the resources she needed to carry out her tasks?  And if she doesn't know Scripture well enough to claim God's promises, do you think God will force them on her?  Scripture seems to indicate the answer is no on that question. 

That is why it is so important to know Scripture.  We have to know what the promises of God are before we can claim them.  The only way to know what those promises are is to build a relationship with God though prayer and study of His Word. 

And of course the very first step in knowing God's promises is knowing God's son Jesus.  Have you taken the time to get to know Jesus yet?  Just spend a little time talking to Him.  "Dear Jesus…."