Christians live by faith but when it comes to finances that faith can be sorely tested. Let’s call it the fear factor. You’re worried that you won’t be able to pay the bills replace the car that always needs repairs or save for the future. Rob talks about replacing fear with faith.What motivates you? Is it your faith in God and His promises or fear of things you can’t control? And maybe fear that God won’t live up to His end of the bargain?

The Bible is clear about the importance of trusting God for everything. Jeremiah 17:7-8 reads, *“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream … and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”*

Fear can lead to financial bondage. It begins when we think things and do things that indicate a lack of trust in God.

What are some of the indications that you’ve given in to fear and might be in financial bondage?It may result in bad communication and conflicting values between spouses
It may lead to hoarding and a lack of generosity
It may cause you to unnecessarily scrimp and sacrifice - to covet money.
The Bible tells us that it’s wise to save for the future, for the day when age or illness prevent us from earning a living. The key is finding the right balance.

God is with you. Faith is the opposite of fear. In Hebrews, faith is described as *“things that we hope for and things that we do not presently have.”*

How do you fight the fear that leads to financial bondage?Stay in God’s word, ask Him for help, hope and direction. The goal should always be to know and live according to His plan for your life.

Make a conscious decision to act when God’s will becomes clear. This will be different for each of us. It may mean giving away something you need, or making a job change you hadn’t planned on, or putting off buying a bigger home.

Develop a long range perspective. God rarely works on the same timetable as we do, so it’s important that we learn what patience is - waiting on the Lord.

Prayer is God’s secret weapon. Exercise the most powerful tool that God’s given us to unlock His blessings and power. It’s the most neglected part of Christian life.

Faith isn’t possible outside of prayer, but with prayer all things are possible. 1 Thessalonians 5 teaches, *“Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”*

Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at [Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org](mailto:Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org):What's the optimal time of the month to pay off your credit card bill if you are rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy?

Is the credit utilization rate based on your aggregated credit cards?

What kind of loan should you get to make necessary waterproofing repairs to your basement before deciding whether to sell your house?

How can you tithe without taxes on your 401k savings if you are 63 and not yet retired?

Should your mother gift assets to heirs now if she is aged 78 and you want to make sure the funds are not depleted by future nursing home expenses?

Is it a good idea for your young adult son to purchase a home with a wrap-around land contract and existing mortgage for the purposes of flipping it in a few years?

If you are planning to purchase a $400,000 home and have $250,000 in cash, should you secure a mortgage for the purchase and pay for any required improvements with cash?

What should you do with your 401k which has lost $10,000 in the past month and is now valued at $50,000, and you are planning to retire in a year at age 63 living on pension and Social Security income?

Be sure to check out the rest of MoneyWise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

FaithFi

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MoneyWise Live

Christians live by faith but when it comes to finances that faith can be sorely tested.

The Fear Factor

FaithFi | Mar 1, 2022

Show Notes

Where Faith Meets Finance

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