Can I be honest? This past year has been a walk by faith journey financially. Just when I think we are getting ahead, we get set back. You may be thinking, “Well, maybe you’re bad with money,” or, “I bet she isn’t paying her tithes.”
I’m not going to tell you I’m a money-saving guru, but I have learned how to live a frugal life. Not only that, I have discovered how to take a can of black beans and make them into a masterpiece. My secret? Cumin, cayenne, and chili pepper spices. Seriously though, shredded carrot and black bean tacos have changed my life.
Ummm. 10% What?
Paying my tithes is non-negotiable, I learned a long time ago that every blessing I have is from the Lord and I refuse to rob Him of anything. I’m not saying that I haven’t been tempted to withhold my ten percent. Five months ago I held my tithes in my hand knowing that it was the EXACT amount I needed to pay my rent on time. Flesh is flesh. I contemplated paying my tithes late. Stress ate away at my already wavering faith as I focused on the fee that would ensue if I paid my rent late – yet again. I thought about a lot of things. Was it a “ye of little faith” moment? Yeah, maybe. But, I think that we all have those times when our flesh wars against our spirit.
I paid my tithes right away, not out of rigid obligation or because I was worried that my pastor would have a dream in the middle-of-the-night revealing my sin. I paid my tithes because I trust God. I paid my tithes instead of my rent because I know that God is my provider, even when I feel weak. Living for God is not always easy, but oh-so-worth-it.
Tear Stained Hope
Yes, crazy things happen. And, yes, life is not perfect. But, that does not give me the right to flail my arms up in defeat. My less-than-perfect circumstances should not permit me lose hope.
Have I left tear stained marks on my husband’s shoulder? Yes, a few times. Not only am I human, but I’m a woman. I can get emotional. One thing I am learning is … my anxious heart is not a badge of honor. Instead, it is a mirror of my faith.
Lying awake at night worrying is a clear sign that I have not given my cares to God.
Casting All Your Care
1 Peter 5:6-8 states, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
Out of humility, we are to cast our cares upon God. Fear and worry pillages faith and encourages our minds to perpetuate anxiousness. Our adversary will try to kill us with the cares of this world and would love our stress to destroy us. Pray this with me, “In Jesus Name, take this (whatever it is), it’s Yours. I am casting this at Your feet and I will trust You.”
This prayer is simple, but it isn’t easy.
A Few Testimonies
Several months ago we needed an additional $1000 to pay our rent and my husband quoted Psalm 50:10, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills,” and prayed, “God, I need a dollar from every hill.” That week, someone gave him a check for $1000.
Last month, I looked in my pantry and there wasn’t even a can of black beans to redeem supper time and I quoted Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” and prayed “Lord, you know our need and I trust you.” That night I asked my husband, “Do you want an egg or a box of brownies for dinner?” (He opted for the brownies lol). An hour later I received a text from a friend that said, “I’m on my way to your house, we have groceries for you.” There were so many goodies inside those bags, even the old-faithful black beans made their appearance. Bless God.
Be Still, Anxious Heart
Maybe you are facing a situation that is beyond your control, but continue to pray, “In Jesus Name, take this (whatever it is), it’s Yours. I am casting this at Your feet and I will trust You.” Do this until you feel peace that passes your understanding. Psalm 46:10 declares, “Be still and know that I am God.” So, today, be still, anxious heart.
God is faithful, even when you feel faithless.
I may not know who you are, dear reader, but I prayed for you this morning. You may be going through a dark valley, but don’t walk through it alone, allow God to be with you. And, whatever you do, don’t lose hope.
Chapters That Change Stories 
Thank you for writing this… This past week has been especially difficult for me. It’s like you wrote the exact words I needed to hear. Sometimes we as women don’t like to tell others of what we are going through because we don’t want to be a burden or for fear of what they might think. Thank you my dear friend for the reminder that we are not alone ♥️ And to just trust him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, we don’t like telling people (most of the time) what we are going through. In fact, it was so difficult for me to hit the “publish” button for the very reason of being hesitant to share my current situation. When other people are brave to share their story, I have been so encouraged and strengthened. So, that was my prayer for this post. Thank you for your comment, it means so much!
LikeLike
Beautiful ♥️. Thank you for sharing your faith.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicole, it is my pleasure! God bless. ❤
LikeLike
Thank you for your transparency, Ang! I love how you often are the voice of so many—those who suffer in the background in silence.
It’s always in our weaknesses in which God displays His strength. What an opportunity for God’s strength to come through! Counting it all joy when we encounter diverse temptations is not the easiest lesson, but here you are, learning to do so. Thank you for being an example.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Aaron, for your words of encouragement. It is so easy to think that we suffer alone, but so many of us are experiencing the same things. I hope you are doing well, praying for you!
LikeLike
This is helping thankyou sister!
Ive been on this journey now for a long time. We are all coming out of Babylon, doing only His will and one of these ways is the breaking of the idols of the love of money.
Let me share this as it was written in the thick of broke:
This is. ( rap)
This is not the unknown of going into enemy territory
This is the knowing of everything I have now in my hands
In His hands
Provision
of all things freely given
This is not the crushing worry of the enemy
This is saying I know you already know you’ve got me
This is not lying frozen in fear of the day and the nights
This is rising from ashes and stumbling from graves
Belief on God ,hoping until He appears
Running the race of the wise who know Him
Talking and praying and spending time with Him.
This Is not pretending to strive for the perfect
This is facing the storm in the face of adversity
This is dragging and clawing your way to self crucification.
Laying all down when all is fighting to rise
Its putting to death the sins of the flesh
Following Jesus example when he became sin and died
This is brutal
Its manic
Its peace in the panic
Its seeing the Light when the dark is titanic
Its hoping in Jesus the WORD of the father
Its believing God loves you when stepping into fire
Its putting your neck out when someone gets out their sword
Its saying I love you when your still being ignored
Its accepting God as God in charge of the atoms
And everyone’s got them
They don’t have an option
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your song. My constant prayer is to please God in everything I do, weather it is in word or deed. Many blessings to you!
LikeLike