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.”
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.