Spring emphasizes a rebirth as flowers bloom, and we can leave the dreary winter behind us. I have three pink azalea bushes in my front yard. Every year, I expect beautiful blooms that usher in spring. Driving down the road, I also look at the lush trees that announce warmer days that we enjoy in summer. With that said, we look forward to financial blessings, not pain. Though our intense suffering is temporary, the light affliction gives us patience. 

Simiarly, the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, and we know of that power in our lives. I don’t fear financial challenges because my God supplies all my blessings. Of course, I’m anxious to see a breakthrough in my finances and love life, but being patient is difficult. I said, “Lord, I’m ready”.

We worried about higher interest rates a few months ago, but when the government suffered heavy layoffs, people feared not paying mortgages and car loans. For two years, economists warned about an upcoming recession in which households would lack jobs or access to credit. When people don’t know where their income comes from, they stop spending, and the economy slows down with the threat of tariffs. 

When I’m thankful under stressful circumstances, I don’t let the Devil have any place in my life. We’re discussing 2 Corinthians 10:5 in Church because our mind is the battlefield. When soldiers go to war, they bring all their weapons for victory. 

Similarly, the Devil attacks Christians constantly. We feel weak when our hours are reduced or we don’t get pay raises. The financial strain is stressful, but when we proclaim victory, it is here. Did you know your words carry weight in a battle? I either profess victory or defeat over any problem. It’s that simple, yet I must watch what words I speak in frustration. 

For example, I was driving down the road and ignored the tire pressure gauge for a couple of weeks, and I had a flat tire. After the tire busted, I was scared, but I carefully steered the car into the median. Even a concerned motorist pulled behind my car. I didn’t freak out, but I’m glad the tire didn’t blow on the interstate, too. When I avoided checking my tire pressure, God provided safety and finances. My mechanic said, “I had a small leak in the old tire.” A few days later, my sister said, “She had a spare tire in her garage for the truck even though I bought one. When I had an emergency, God had an answer on the way, though I didn’t know how the journey unfolded. 

Do you face depression or financial stress, but believe God can turn the circumstances around? God gives us confidence when we speak in faith and believe. Today, families need strong relationships to maintain healthy marriages and children. Even though all families face dysfunction or jealousy, love covers many sins. We can’t receive answers to our prayers if unforgiveness is a stronghold. That pain can roll around in our minds if we’re not careful. It’s easy to prioritize why someone else doesn’t deserve a second chance when we must forgive. We finally forgive, and our heart feels lighter (unforgiveness).