Three Ways to Survive Difficult Financial Times
We must learn to thank Him while we are waiting for Him to change our situations. Although, most of the time He is changing us.
Welcome to the 63rd post of The Aim and Soar Life, a weekly newsletter about faith, personal growth, and lifestyle that provides actionable, relatable, and biblically rooted content to help you live abundantly and GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Greetings!
Happy Sunday Fam!
Are you feeling the pinch??? I’m talking about the money pinch!
I was grocery shopping recently and the guy at the meat market told me that he and his wife had switched to eating beans because meat is just too expensive these days. He said it was unaffordable and he refuses to pay “the high prices.” This move has allowed him to save money and still feel satisfied when he eats.
It got me thinking, “What changes do I need to make to survive this season of leanness in the economy?”
Whether politicians or economic geniuses agree or not, I strongly believe we are in a recession.
Life doesn’t stop, so we must make adjustments.
One scripture that stays with me daily is Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19, HCSB
When I reflect on this scripture, I’m reminded that I have what I need, although I may not have everything I want.
I constantly tell myself, “He knows,” when I become frustrated by all that’s happening in the world. Because God is aware of our situations and predicaments.
It can become daunting when your money doesn’t stretch as far as you need it to, or when your bills are more than your paycheck.
How do we survive these financially difficult times?
1. Be Thankful
In Psalm 37:25, King David said, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread.”
I can relate to this scripture because, in all my life, I’ve never been without food or shelter. I’ve always had my basic needs met.
I realize this is not the story for some, as I have counseled teens and young adults whose parents were not responsible and did not ensure that their teens ate every day or had someplace to stay. However, even in those times, God used people like me and others to assist. God still provided.
So where does this lead us? It should lead us to thanksgiving and praise.
I purchased my home several years ago; it is a midcentury fixer-upper. But you know what? Every time I think about my home, I am thankful for this calm, peaceful space that God has blessed me with.
For the most part, I have great neighbors and my neighborhood is quiet and walkable. By walkable I mean I can take a walk without worrying too much about crime.
I have everything I need at home. It’s not a mansion, but it is my place of peace and solace.
God has given it to me and I love it.
So, I thank Him for it.
I thank Him for reliable transportation to get to and from work and to help take care of family members.
I have everything I need.
Thank God for what you do have.
We must learn to thank Him while we are waiting for Him to change our situations. Although, most of the time, He is changing us.
It can get frustrating at times I know, but this is where we stand on our faith and trust God.
I challenge you to make a list of all the things you have. Then, thank God for each and everything on that list.
2. Help Someone Else
One thing about God, He doesn’t let our experiences go to waste. And even when we feel like we are in a state of “lack,” God expects us to help others.
This builds our character and our sense of community.
You may not have money to give, but you can certainly provide a ride or share a meal. Often, we can give our time.
Whatever way God prompts you to use your resources for the good of someone else, do it.
God moves when He sees that we totally rely on Him for what we need. When we share with others even when we have little, it demonstrates our faith in Him.
Paul speaks about this in 2 Corinthians 8:2 when he shares how the Macedonians gave out of their poverty.
During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:2, HCSB
Every time I have given out of my “poverty” or “lack,” I have been blessed.
If you have a unique gift or talent, share that with someone. It could be an encouraging word or something you have made with your hands.
Give. Share. Support.
Let God work through you as you work through your challenges.
3. Pray and Wait on God’s Provision
Sometimes we try to take shortcuts and “help God out”😳😳😳. This is always disastrous.
When your back is against the wall your response should be to pray and wait on God’s provision.
Listen to how He leads you when you pray.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use your resources, like taking a second job or doing a side hustle. But before you do, ask God. Pray about it.
Wait for Him to give you the go-ahead. Don’t get ahead of God.
The worst thing you can do is make a decision that wasn’t in God’s plan for you because you jumped ahead of God.
For example, a family member (I’m going to refer to her as Joyce hereafter) was going through a rough time and had contemplated selling her home. Joyce reached out to another family member to get some advice, and the other family member responded logically, “You need to sell your home.”
Notice I said, “logically,” and not “spiritually.”
Well, when Joyce asked me my opinion, I simply asked, “What do you think God is saying to you?”
Joyce told me that she was not being led by God to sell.
That was the answer. If God wasn’t leading Joyce to sell, she just needed to be still and keep praying and doing all she could do in the meantime.
Long story short, God blessed Joyce beyond measure not long after this and she was able to keep her home and live well.
What would have happened if Joyce had followed the other family member’s unspiritual advice (even though the person meant well)?
She would have been out of alignment with God’s plan.
It’s downright dangerous to get ahead of God.
You see, God already knew what was up ahead. There was no need for Joyce to sell her home. God knew the blessing that awaited Joyce just up the road.
If you have found yourself in a situation that you have no clarity on, it’s okay to seek wise counsel—this should be someone saved who is praying and yielding to the Holy Spirit—not just anyone.
If you have the ability to work extra hours at work or do a side hustle, do them with prayer. Seek God out first.
I always get some sort of warning when I’m veering off the path God has set for me. I may pray and don’t hear the answer and begin to move, and God will give me unrest in my spirit. That’s how I know to pull back.
Pray and Wait on God.
And if you’ve moved ahead already, repent and ask God what His will is in the situation.
Wise counsel is helpful because God speaks to us through others. Keep your eyes and ears open to His leading.😍 Tough times don’t last always.
Peace and Blessings to you!
Until Next Time,
GROW YOU. GOD’S WAY.
Sherrhonda😍
P.S.
I’d LOVE for you to meet me on the web: