Faith + Finances = Security and Abundance
For me this equation was so hard for me to see. Hard to understand the connection of my spiritual life to my job, my finances, my debt because of the financial struggles I have been dealing with as a single mom.But after listening to some awesome teaching from Pastor Moore and Pastor Gregory, my whole perspective of money has changed and I now can see God in so much of my finances. Pastor Micheal Todd has great sermons as well on Youtube around finances and overcoming financial struggles with God.
Free sermon links, click pastor’s name above.
I thought writing my thoughts and experience would be perfect this week since we are dead smack in the middle of tax season, the trading market is losing it’s mind, and everybody is going out spending all their money on toilet paper because of this Coronavirus. Update 2023: Nobody has money to spend due to inflation.
Which I think is a foolish way to persevere yourself. Nobody has wash rags at home??? LOL
Any who, this is the time of year where we can become a bit impulsive with our spending, quick to make long-term moves on short-term circumstances, and lose sight of who’s truly going to protect you and cover you from the things of this world. It seems like financial struggles has been a thing over the last 3 years if not for centuries.
My Faith Walk
This past few months have been a definite faith walk for me as I’ve transitioned into a new job. Late January, I decided that I was going to start working as needed at my previous job, until I figured out what I wanted to do in my field. I was fed up not with the people I worked with, but with the demands of the job and the traffic I had to fight through everyday. I was loosing motivation and desire for the job. With no solid exit strategy, I stepped out. But God had another plan.
That’s what brought me to the topic of finances as I wasn’t sure if I will get work or anything but I knew I needed to make a move. And I DID! But God kept me the entire time and a new more favorable position was offered to me from an old connect that I made an impression back in 2016. ( you never know who you’re entertaining, so you better act right)
If it would of been a couple years ago, I probably would of been depressed, fearful, and self-limiting during this transition but thank God for making me new. Hallelujah!!!
During this time I reflected on my relationship with my finances and how I can increase my faith in that area. I needed to get rid of financial struggles when they arise on my single mom journey.
Single Motherhood and Finances
Often times, as single mothers, we can take on attitudes and behaviors of our past and even what caused present pain when it comes to our financial struggles. We tend to view our money in these ways:
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Scarcity mindset
” I have to keep what I have as much as possible because I don’t want to ever be without enough.”
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Lack of adequate pay with high childcare cost
” They know we need care for our children, so they capitalize on us with these high childcare prices. $1,000 a month, they’re crazy. That’s most of my check.”
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Superwoman complex
” I don’t need assistance. I have enough to provide for mine and then some.”
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Neglecting self to make ends meet
” I have to use the money to pay for this bill and get out of this debt before I can spend this on anything nice for myself. I just don’t have enough to invest in this opportunity for myself.”
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Emotional Spending
” Girl, I had a rough day at work and so I deserve to buy these shoes. I’m tired so I’m going to drive to Chick Fil-A, even though I said I was going to eat at home during the week.”
See yourself in any of those financial struggles? Would you add any scenarios to the list?
Important Biblical Principles Regarding Finances
These are not all the principles, but they are key for transforming your financial health and sending your financial struggles away:
- Always give God the first 10% of your income. Remember God is the source. (Deuteronomy 14:23)
- Always be willing to give but not spend foolishly. (Luke 6:38, Proverbs 21:20)
- Never get more than you need. Stay out of debt! (Proverbs 22:7)
- Do not worship your money. Be content with what you have but not consumed. (Hebrews 13:5)
- Place your treasures in things that brings you closer to the kingdom. (Matthew 6:21)
Ways to Overcome Your Financial Struggles In Faith
Don’t get me wrong. I haven’t mastered my finances fully yet. But I know I am on to a great start. Setting goals and implementing these simple strategies has transformed my view of money and its place in my life. Read below:
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Pray About Current and Past Money Experiences
Take inventory of good and bad experiences you’ve had in your financial life. Identify the limiting thoughts associated and hold on to the good lessons learned along the way. If needed, ask God to change your perspective and provide the resources you need to have a better understanding of money management.
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Tithe Faithfully and Give Intentionally
This was a really tough one for me as I was a victim to the money scarcity mindset. I thought if I gave God and the church that money, it would leave me short for what I needed to pay for. But I decided to trust God as my source through tithing and now I feel like I have more money now than when I didn’t tithe on the same income.
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Start Budgeting
This is more of a practical step but it’s more of putting what God wants us to do with our money in the forefront through stewardship. Make a plan and stick to it. Identify your families basic needs and then everything else including debt can be added. If God see’s you handling the small things well, then why wouldn’t your Father bless you with greater things. I use the EveryDollar App, but i know there are other ways to start.
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Maintain Discernment and Discretion
Discern when you are in flesh and when you are in the spirit. Self-control is a big one here. Why are you spending money here today? Is this opportunity or item worth investing in? Should you be discussing your money with those who don’t provide Godly counsel? Making sure you consult God before you make any major decisions and having the right people around you to hold you accountable.
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Put Money In Its Place
Never let Money become your god. Money runs everything in the earthly world, not the heavenly realm. As a child of God, your time, energy, and devotion should not be focused on the grind and making money all the time. Don’t get me wrong, as single mom, we think we have to do so much to provide. But in reality, we don’t need to if we lean on God for refuge. When we position ourselves spiritually, the natural can not deny our favor.
“The reason I’ve been able to be so financially successful is my focus has never, ever for one minute been money.” – Oprah Winfrey
All in all,
I wrote a post on why I didn’t pursue child support as well. It’s another perspective earlier in my single mom journey involving my finances.
No matter where you are financially, consider implementing at least one strategy. These strategies allowed me to breakthrough the walls that were hindering me from prospering spiritually and financially. These strategies our continuing to bless me today as I overcome new financial struggles as a single mom.
Whatever you do, seek first the kingdom of God and keep Him the focus rather on the financial struggles of living on earth.
What are some other biblical principles you use to overcome financial struggles as a single mom?
Supportive Blog Post:
- A Sugar Daddy Won’t Solve Your Problems Due To These 4 Dilemmas
- Trusting God As A Single Mom
- How Faith Helped Me Move From Surviving To Thriving As A Single Mom
You can also join the Women Seeking Confidence Facebook group for a community of women headed in the same direction as you in regards to growing in relationships:
