We all want our plans to succeed, but what does the Lord want?
Are you and God on the same page regarding your financial plans? Today, we’ll discuss achieving your financial goals and doing God’s will.
As avid planners, we know that having a plan is the best way to meet your financial goals—or any goals, for that matter. But how do you ensure your plans align with God’s will for your life? As Christians, we believe that Jesus’ plans are the best, and the Bible supports this in Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will succeed.”
Discovering God's Purpose
Understanding God’s will is crucial because His purpose will always succeed. But how do you discern what God wants? The Bible guides us in Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Proverbs 3:5-7 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”
You might wonder how submitting to God’s ways can help with practical goals like retirement, buying a car, or planning a vacation. While you may not receive a direct message from God about which car to buy, living by biblical standards will give you greater peace and confidence in your decisions. The key is to focus on what has eternal value: “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” By trusting in the Lord, praying, reading His Word, and submitting your plans to Him, you align with His will. This doesn’t guarantee an easy path but ensures a godly one.
Seeking Wise Counsel
Sometimes, even when praying for guidance, you need practical advice. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
Here are some biblical counsels for saving, debt elimination, and employment:
Saving for the Future
Whether saving for college, retirement, or a home purchase requires patience and commitment, so set a target amount and determine how much to save each month. Place your savings in a high-interest account and pray for the discipline to stay on track. Maximize employer-offered savings options or start with a traditional or Roth IRA. For college savings, consider 529 plans.
If you’re starting late, don’t worry. The Bible assures us that God will provide for our needs. Remember, God is “YHWH Jireh,” our provider, who cares for us more than the sparrows.
Eliminating Debt
To eliminate debt, you need a clear plan. List all your debts and create a strategy to pay them off, starting with one debt at a time. Once one is paid off, apply that payment amount to the next debt. If you need assistance, visit ChristianCreditCounselors.org. Avoid debt consolidation or settlement services. Share your goals with trusted friends or family for encouragement and accountability.
“The borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7), so keep your debt-free goal in sight and seek God’s help to break bad habits.
Improving Employment
If you’re unemployed or underemployed, improving your earning power might require a new job or a promotion. Enhance your skills through training, network regularly, update your resume, and practice interview skills. Your persistence and enthusiasm will make a difference.
Focusing first on what has eternal value ensures that God’s purpose will prevail in your financial life. As you plan and make decisions, remember to trust in the Lord, seek His guidance, and rely on wise counsel. By doing so, you align your financial goals with His will, ensuring a path that is both successful and godly.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
- Would a reverse mortgage help my situation? My wife and I are elderly and live on a fixed monthly income of about $2500. Our house is valued at around $160,000, but we still owe $50,000. I would like to use some of the equity in our home to help build an emergency fund and give us a little more financial cushion each month since we're living pretty hand-to-mouth right now. What are your thoughts on whether a reverse mortgage would work for us?
- I'm 66.5 years old and dealing with Social Security. I took my Social Security last year, starting it in June. I'm considering withdrawing what I've received and reapplying later, in a few more months or a year. What advice do you have about withdrawing my claim and any drawbacks I should know?
- When should I start receiving my Social Security benefits? I'll be eligible at 66.5 years old but intend to continue working until at least 70. What are the pros and cons of taking my benefits at 66.5 years old versus waiting until 70? I'm also considering using the monthly check between now and 70 to help pay my mortgage, but I'm unsure if that's the best financial decision. What are your thoughts on my options?
Resources Mentioned:
- Christian Credit Counselors
- Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
- Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
- FaithFi App
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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