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).
Isaiah 43:13 says, “I am the Lord you God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you. Do not fear. I will help you” (NIV).
I began writing this blog mid-January, praying about my financial expectations, and the weather was cold. Every Year, my church does a consecration just because the body of Christ needs financial blessings. We find ministries where the word is preached, and people want to experience freedom. After celebrating Thanksgiving, I looked forward to the New Year, especially the promotion, because I needed money.
I want to pray for blessings during the consecration when I value the word first. With anticipation, I know 2025 will be a special year when I lack enough money for years. Before I recognized my actions, I Googled a new SUV trim level and a new house. God enjoys blessing us, but I didn’t plan the tithe and offerings. All the new stuff polarized my mind. Then, I felt guilty despite the fact I needed new things. God expects an excellent offering that honors his house, and I can bless many families. Since money is a tool to build the kingdom, I focused on reading my devotion and prayer.
If you watch TikTok since last year, the group complains about increasing inflation over gas and groceries. When interest rates increased, I struggled to pay the minimum balance. At the bottom of the statement, you read that if you only pay the minimum amount, you spend ten years reducing that debt. Last year, you and I struggled to reduce debt, and we want to save more money. From June to December 2024, we felt frustrated when we walked into grocery stores, buying a few items that cost more money. Meanwhile, all our savings accounts dwindled even if you are a high earner.
In God, I proclaim provision when I’m trusting in his word. Life is real and I demand a blessing. After I graduated, my student loan debt accelerated to resemble a mortgage. As an older adult, I had already prayed before returning to school. Some people questioned the value of a degree, but I know the Lord will use my education and faith to minister. Additionally, millions of borrowers look for the federal government to cancel loans or extend payments. It’s nice to receive aid but we should only depend on the word.
Faith is vital
Did you know your faith is vital before you get victory over finances? You don’t have to pray eloquent prayers to impress an audience. Those words don’t move God, but your faith will reach the throne as angels bring blessings down to earth. If we have anger or resentment, the blessings stop. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (NIV). We have a firm confidence that the prayer is answered. You can’t doubt it! The word gives us light in dark places like high unemployment statistics. We serve a living God who provides abundance in dark places because we know our prayer will sustain us on the job, or we can get another one.
During the consecration, we grow closer to God, without T.V. and social media that takes a backseat. On January 1, I prayed for sin and joy when we worry too much about debt. The breakthrough is delayed. Bad thoughts block blessings but our faith becomes stronger than ever through prayer which is communication. Talk with God as if you’re talking to a friend on the phone or during lunch; you can tell your deepest secrets in the prayer closet because God already knows. There is nothing we could hide from our heavenly father.
Don’t be discouraged when you pray for answers that haven’t arrived yet. I was an impatient Christian when my life didn’t unfold in a specific season. In my prayer closet, I asked God “ When will the job arrive you know I need a new house”. Impatience breeds frustration as I wanted all those things. And then I repented and thanked God for a season of waiting patiently. My heart didn’t have anxiety, and I even felt better. You have full assurance that the blessing will occur at the right time. When you doubt, the Devil steals your blessing.
Fellowship with women
I have been writing about being a young Christian in the military. When my family lived in South Carolina, I accepted Jesus into my heart. That was a turning point. Nobody influenced my religious behavior except Christian friends in Kansas. If I had never lived alone, I would have rejected Jesus. The Devil lies deadly, and he wants us to be ignorant about our potential in Christ. If we believe a Christian life is boring, women fellowship together as a tool to encourage and minister the gospel.
By fellowshiping with women, I gained more faith which dispersed resources. The Bible is the most important resource we have when we lack faith. We have the right intentions to be obedient but when the Devil has planned an attack we forget our authority. We didn’t go to bed early and rushed in the morning (Skip a major prayer session.). Plan your schedule so that you can cook dinner, do homework, and spend time with family. If you work two or three jobs, plan your schedule carefully though money is important. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, use wisdom to read the word diligently. This activity isn’t an option but your life depends on faith. We navigate through daily trials that test us. You want to make the best choices in your job, family finances, and church attendance. You can choose to be obedient or disobey and suffer the consequences. The right path leads to blessings and fellowship with God as the disobedient journey causes sin and darkness in your life.
Otherwise, we succumb to sin and all the curses. Jesus had overcome the curse after he died on the cross, the ultimate sacrifice. He rose, which is a victory we have right now.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every situation be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”.
Thanksgiving is approaching, and everyone is preparing the menu and travel plans for the big day. Families and friends gather around the table to celebrate life. We all love food because Thanksgiving allows us to eat all day and save leftovers. We all love meeting new family members and discussing stories. As we enjoy the food, we celebrate families whose love endures. Instead of working, we stop for a moment because of busy schedules so that adults and children can appreciate the moment. Food and conversation are fun if you avoid religion and politics.
Southerners like deep-fried turkey, dressing, candied yams, and broccoli casserole. When I lived in the Midwest, stuffing was a popular dish. Stuffing has a different texture than dressing but is tasty. I served in the military and ate diverse dishes. It’s good to try new foods and cultures but you will miss your mom’s cooking.
More importantly, November is a special month when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I was a soldier in the Army, and the Holy Spirit convicted my heart of a sinful lifestyle. After I surrendered everything, peace washed my soul. Even though I didn’t know a lot about church, I quickly learned.
Instead of complaining about the economy, I’m thankful for a stronger prayer life and read the word for strength. Nobody likes suffering when the church expects instant satisfaction from prayers. Suffering brings us closer to God as we experience pain. If God calls us to minister the gospel, we must understand people’s pain. More importantly, we have power because of Jesus the high priest. He had endured the pain of the crucifixion as the crowd mocked him. He died and rose on the third day with all victory. We have the same victory to overcome financial trials that affect our health. When we worry, we can’t receive the blessing of our prayers.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we have so much thankfulness in our hearts which yields joy. This year has been difficult with mass layoffs and political divisions, but God is still in control as we pursue answers. We all experience anxiety, but the word gives us healing (as strength). When we learn about others’ struggles, we don’t feel alone. If you feel alone in a group, you invite Jesus into your heart. People don’t share their views about a subject and feel alone. When you spend time in God’s presence, you feel strength (an inner warmth).
Otherwise, you ignore the word and continue to sin. If we worry constantly, we never find the solutions to our problems. Some of us must hit rock bottom before we can receive the solution. If you can’t find a reason to give thanks, think again. That attitude blocks your blessings. List three things you’re thankful for as you celebrate Thanksgiving among family and friends.
“Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart” (Mark 11:22-23 NLT).
Faith has been a popular topic, and everyone needs a breakthrough in a specific area. We face a mountain that seems impossible. Faith moves us closer to the top or remains at the bottom. Some need more money to pay bills when inflation eats up your check. The cost of living increases each year. Others pray for unsaved family members who are addicted to drugs. Individuals leave jail, they must begin life again and make better choices. Life isn’t easy as it requires consistent time and work. Do you pursue victory or defeat when you pray for answers? Create a picture of the answer before you receive it. The mental image helps us to visualize the final result as we believe God for the answered prayer.
Mind Mapping or drawing
As a teenager, I loved collaging my favorite colors, flowers, dresses, or cars I dreamed about. Even though I couldn’t afford expensive things, I wanted to map a mental image of what I wanted for the school year. Whether I saved money to buy makeup or school supplies, the image was in my head because of the scrapbook. During the summer, I worked extra hours to make enough money to buy all the items. I developed a picture for my list and saved money by creating a budget. Faith was in my heart, but I didn’t know the full extent.
When I was in the military, I saved money and bought my first car, a teal Pontiac Sunbird with a spoiler. My spiritual mom prayed; I still had a small level of faith.
Speak faith over that picture. Mark 11:22-23
Similarly, you can create a picture with your words of faith. When praying for a breakthrough, make the image that aligns with the Bible. Many of us have student debt, and we didn’t pay off sufficient amounts. With increasing expenses, households face every month; we must be reminded that our prayer requests go before God as Jesus intercedes. We confess words of an overflowing bank account if we confess scriptures and confidence over our lives. And walk by faith. Believe your debt can be reduced over time when you diligently make payments.
People worldwide face debt and living expenses, while their hours are reduced with potential layoffs. News media highlights low manufacturing and the average household defaulting on credit cards and auto loans. However, in light of grace, we don’t fear financial lack and uncertain job opportunities. We receive Jesus in our hearts first, and we can pay down debt with supernatural provision because God makes everything work together. Believers already have peace in the storm, the promise of his word.
Sometimes, I am frustrated when a request takes longer than I expected. For a moment, my heart is heavy with anticipation. After a friend prays, I avoid a panic attack as love covers my mind and heart simultaneously. Our thoughts are powerful when we pray the scriptures that relate to a specific circumstance.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT). Some of us can quote that scripture front and back, but waiting on the season takes patience. We wait, and God is preparing a promotion for you that will blow our minds. We create an image of what we want for the job that fits our schedule. Through the waiting periods, we build endurance just because God knows the time to bless us. We believe the process is taking too long, but God is working out all the kinks. He may move one employee out of the way while he gives you a favor with your boss.
Don’t doubt.
Now, you created the image that complements a scripture. You’re talking with a friend, and your mind doubts the promise. The Devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy every blessing we get. Psalms 25:7 says, “Do not remember the sins of my youth or transgressions; According to your lovingkindness remember me, For you goodness sake, O Lord” (AMP). We repent for our sins and wait patiently for the season. Whether you believe that statement, or not, spiritual warfare is constant. But we already have victory by confessing the truth. After we change our perspective, we don’t look at all the hurdles. Trust the Lord for everything so that you will receive the answer in time.
We get sick after worrying about finances which impacts every area of our lives. Some people have debt and can’t pay all their bills either. Each month, they juggle which one receives attention. Most of us want to pay for everything, and it’s the right thing. With all the layoffs, many households lack the income to pay off debts. As you worry, your health declines. God, however, must be the first place in our lives as we develop a closer relationship with him (through the Bible, prayer, and relationships).
Receive your blessing.
Do you have an area where you are requesting a breakthrough? Remember Mark 11:22 where Jesus emphasized to believe if you have any prayer petitions. Your mountain could be a potential layoff. When your heart feels so much anxiety, you lose faith in prayers. If the answer doesn’t come by a specific deadline, you quit. Wait for the answer because we live under grace now so that a burden doesn’t destroy our faith. You can receive your answers to prayers.
Mark 11 has symbols that speak of faith. As Jesus entered Bethany, the town praised him (Known as Palm Sunday). Jesus rode a horse down the street, and the group laid branches and cloaks on the ground, praising the Lord. They shouted Hosanna and Blessed. Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand all the events. He overcame death, and we received a closer relationship with God. If you have a problem, you win.
In the fall, the weather gets colder and the days shorter than the summer. Most of us, enjoy our pumpkin spice lattes and football games along with the amazing fall colors, celebrating the change of space in our lives. As we experience the fall, we go to church and pray for peace. What is peace when we hold on to our faith? Peace is a vital link to our faith walk where we we trust God for the promise. You may pray for better resolutions when a group disagrees. Some group members who know the word but are difficult. You experience sadness and guilt because you want to fix everything. Now is the time to develop stronger faith than ever. Before we get results, our faith must be strong and reliable. That occurs in the bible where we build up our faith constantly when we hear the word.
Maintain Your Peace
We all experience emotions when life gives us unexpected obstacles. For example, everybody struggles with relationships when we want other people to follow rules. When the meeting begins at 8:00 A.M., several show up ten minutes late or don’t even call. We know everybody should respect time and rules. Leaders give vital information. But groups have different family backgrounds, cultures, and political views. Those ideas will produce tensions as personalities clash, people take sides because of such opinions. It’s okay to see the world differently. Often, the leader receives criticism when a plan fails, and our joy levels go down.
It’s not easy to suffer rejection when you plan a group task or procedure. Often, you feel lonely just because the group doesn’t respect rules or understand the importance of time management. If you’re not careful, your emotions will lead to depression or bitterness. When we lose our peace because of others’ actions toward us, we must step back from the situation and access what is important.
The Bible says, “The Joy of the Lord is our strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 KJV. If we don’t maintain the joy of having a relationship with Jesus daily, the heaviness will wear our hearts down. The word is our strength when we have battle peoples’ negative attitudes and opinions. In fact, the bible represents truth about our identity in Christ. When we have a bad day, repent and move forward with your life. Don’t have self pity.
Also, we don’t plan sadness when everything goes wrong like the bills are late, the boss criticizes your job, or the kid receives bad grades. We plan our lives from childhood to elderly because people plan in life and need goals. Whether we understand the master plan, our goal is crushed because of the circumstances. And disappointment is likely the answer, but God already knows when the blessing will arrive, your season has a time stamp, and you don’t even worry.
We Are Free
Don’t believe those lies that target our minds, and you must work hard to read the word regularly if you want the best results. From Monday to Friday, every household goes through the rat race of life. We wake up, go to school or work, and run more errands. With fewer people, existing employees occur more job duties and demands from employers. You make enough money and spend more when the pay check arrives.
But, you already have the victory when God changes your mindset. When we obey the word praying consistently, we make better choices motivate co-workers, or handle stressful situations. If you still suffer rejection, the peace of God keeps your mind. By trusting the word, we don’t rely the world to intimidated us. I understand that a person will face real problems because life is challenging. Many people suffer discrimination or hostility. When the word is a priority in prayer, we meditate more.
Meditating means to murmur as you confess promises of health and healing over your life. This is the opposite of fear which torments our soul. Fear is the opposite of faith. When you think of a scripture, you can’t entertain bad attitudes about people either. You don’t serve two masters if you are constantly praying and meditating. Through the process, our spirit man becomes stronger as the the mind aligns with the spirit and accomplishes the purpose.
When I was anxious about an upcoming promise, I knew God was working behind the scenes. But I’m impatient anyway. After waiting for years, I was finally ready to step into a new position while preparing for some time. But you know God isn’t in a hurry, and he has designed an appointed time for the blessing. Even though we have accumulated expectations and a date, the word gives us peace (while hope leads to faith).
As soon as you release the prayer and avoid doubt, you get answers. Our thoughts can bring peace or gloom. One of my favorite scriptures explains which thoughts are acceptable. “Whatsoever things are honest. Whatsoever things are true. Whatsoever things are just. Whatsoever things are pure. Whatsoever things are lovely. Whatsoever things are a good report. If there be any praise or virtue, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV). Those good thoughts keep are hearts filled with peace and expectation.
How do I develop Confidence
How do I develop confidence right now? Read Jon 17:1-26. Reading this passage taught me how Jesus prayed for my strength when I experienced conflict. Knowing he cares so much, I’m mindful of my behavior.
As I pray, I gain confidence to trust God (in the storm). My faith doesn’t waiver back and forth but is firm. We follow the word by faith, not the world’s standards. People get excited based on their circumstances when new jobs provide money and prestige. They enjoyed working with fun co-workers.
Jesus maintained confidence with a humble attitude. He endured beatings, lies, and misunderstandings in his final hours on earth. Above all, he finished his purpose on the cross.
Being strong when you face trials, like opposing opinions, builds your faith and character. We don’t have to argue but trust the Lord for the groups’ obedience. We couldn’t appreciate each step of faith if we didn’t overcome trials.
After reading this post, I encourage you to develop more and more peace in your life whether work is demanding or the kids need time. We have consistent joy in our lives through the word a lifesaver and enjoy each day more. Jesus wants us to enjoy relationships with spouses, parents, and friends so that we share his love beyond the church. At the same time these groups encourage, not discourage. If you look forward to the fall weather and maintain your peace, spend some time with Jesus.
I enjoy writing about faith because it’s a topic everybody needs more finances and the economy.
I wrote a blog about faith a few years ago, stirring up my confidence in family and friends who needed encouragement. Unfortunately, that blog ended after I wrote for four years. And my life begins a new phase where The Promise becomes a reality. The last two years have been endurance as I birthed new ideas.
With the new blog, I will explore faith on a deeper level and expand on treasured relationships. Life has no significant value if we don’t meet new people and build social interactions.
As I focus on relationships, 2023 will yield blessings in every area, like family, jobs, and finances. God wants to do great things in our lives, especially in families.
“This sickness will not end in death: but for the glory and honor of God, so that the son of God may be glorified by it.”
When you turn on the TV or look at a newspaper, you take in doom and gloom because of the economy. In tough times, our faith gives us strength when a financial problem becomes too much. Right now, I focus on finances because of communities’ struggles; our society battles over economic resources where the family needs more money to survive. Our faith must be beyond the world, and we believe in the word of God as an authority.
If those families don’t receive such resources soon, they can suffer mental health problems. It reduces your ability to manage daily tasks or even focus. Financial stress can lead to severe mental illness if people don’t understand the effects. And different groups suffer diverse side effects when they face pressure. Some lose weight because they can’t eat anything; other friends overeat fast food because they are overwhelmed.
Today, many suffer more stress than during the pandemic because of inflation and exhaustion. When businesses slow down, leaders look at uncertain markets which are unstable right now. Families worry over potential layoffs and increasing living expenses at that. As children need funds for sports and summer programs, parents budget carefully to provide those activities. One unexpected expense can lead to devastation and no finances or multiple overdrafts in your checking account.
Couples argue over money when they have opinions about using funds. Unfortunately, those couples are selfish in light of the best goal. In a marriage, both partners must agree on managing finances, even if one wants to save money for a rainy day and the other for a summer vacation. Ultimately, both find a solution that yields peace, not produces conflict. Unfortunately, that decision can cause significant arguments in relationships.
Couples who argue over money can face constant divorce. Money problems fall below infidelity, yet those relationships are shaky if core problems are ignored. When one car repair costs $1,000, a family considers maintenance or food for the month. That stress leads to anxiety, depression, or unbelief. You may face high credit card debt or focus right now, but the word of God is comforting.
If you have already prayed for a miracle, you expect answers. When we wait for long periods, it could be more enjoyable in light of our expectations. We pray to sear for relief, but sometimes God takes his time. First, we need to understand the waiting period, as life is challenging enough.
Patience is a virtue, and we all pursue better in life, but when stress is near, we forget about waiting. You, God, because we need you? With increasing debt, those families believe in miracles to function correctly.
Sometimes, Jesus will delay healing when he wants to receive the glory. We may not know the purpose when prayers are hindered. For example, I waited for a large bonus, believing I had bought furniture. In time, the season arrived, and I bought new things. Unfortunately, those blessings didn’t come on my schedule but manifested through promotions and pay raises.
When studying the word of God, I enjoy reading about Lazarus, a miracle when Jesus spoke life into the young man. Mary and Martha sent an urgent message to Jesus. Lazarus was sick, and Jesus loved the family even though he delayed his journey. After Lazarus died, the family questioned Jesus’ timing.
God controls everything, even miracles, when the family prays for an answer. Jesus waited because Lazarus was only sleeping (The Messiah prepared a gift that glorified the Lord.).
Like Mary and Martha, we have faith because of teachings, but the wait is difficult to understand. But Jesus raised the young man, representing Jesus’ resurrection where death didn’t have the victory. Large crowds followed Jesus, expecting miracles daily, but he emphasized that time didn’t affect healing.
Are you waiting for healing in your finances or body but doubt? As you pray, line your thoughts with the word, don’t worry. You can’t understand the plan, but God has a blessing through obedience. I’m thankful for the journey.
The Promise 