Finances: Face Your Fears

There’s an old saying that goes, “You can run, but you can’t hide.”  Trust me when I tell you that nothing better describes my relationship with my finances for most of my adult life.

In my college years and mid-twenties, I spent money like water trying to soothe the problems only Christ could solve.  In my thirties, I finally woke up, but it was only to do the bare minimum of giving, paying my bills on time and saving for retirement.  However, as I tip toe toward my forties—I’m facing down my financial fears.  

For years, my financial goals were stalled.

I recently realized that my failure to set and achieve goals in this area of my life was not reflective of a lack of ambition, but rather a loss of confidence in my ability to qualify for my dreams.  In short, it was a fear of insufficiency.  A part of me didn’t really believe that I could qualify for the privilege of home ownership and financial freedom.  This qualification couldn’t come from a bank or mortgage company; I’m talking about my belief in my ability to handle the task.

Regardless of how far my actions may have separated me from the mistakes of my past, my mind still lived in a place of fear.  (I felt like the foolish college girl when it came to handling my money.)  But in keeping with my one resolution to change the things I can, I’ve finally mustered up the courage to put it all down on paper!

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster dealing with the joy of realizing that some things are better than I thought, the sadness of kicking myself for my mistakes and the sobering knowledge that I can definitely get to where I want to go, but it won’t be easy. Despite the ups and downs, the truth that we fail to confront has the power to back us into a mental corner and limit our options.   The good news is, we have the power to defang our fears!  

We can do this by:

1. Facing It:  Sometimes running only empowers the pursuer.  So stop, turn around and fight!  Get a good look at what you fear, so you can properly identify exactly what it is you’ve been running from.  Once you make the ID, it’s time to issue an APB (all points bulletin) so that you can put your resources to work on the problem.

Sound counsel must be a part of your arsenal.  My attitude has always been that “my money is my business.”  But my way wasn’t working so I needed to make some changes.  As I’ve opened up to individuals I fiscally respect for advice and guidance, their wise counsel and perspectives have helped me to make better decisions.

2. Embracing it:  The state of your finances, marriage, career or spiritual life doesn’t surprise God.  He knew you would be here before you did.  We often fail to embrace the life we have, because it isn’t the life we want. All of the hiccups along the way haven’t negated your purpose. Things don’t have to get better for you to qualify for a move of God—your mess qualifies you right where you are!  

Our fears create feelings of inadequacy that hinder our ability to receive from God.  But the only antidote is to take courage and accept the grace He offers.  This moment is part of my testimony and though it could have been another way—this is the way it is.  I still want what God can get out of it!

3. Analyzing it:  If you haven’t diagnosed the problem, you can’t discover the solution.  Taking an in-depth look at my finances has exposed me to new options for paying down my debts and saving towards my dreams.  The perpetual sense of hopelessness and spinning my wheels is gone.

I am now able to confidently plan to see my prayers manifested, because by God’s grace I see the part I can play and I am doing something about it.  I’ve stopped stressing over the pieces beyond my control.  I know that He’s not slack concerning His promises. So, I can rest.

4. Rejoicing for your change:  Acknowledging my fears has enabled me to confidently pray for the solutions and opportunities I need.  Facing my fear has revitalized my prayer life, because I trust Him to help me develop the strength and discipline to become a better steward.   

If it’s not on the altar, then it is on your back, making it a burden that you’re attempting to bear alone. When we run from our fears, we are missing opportunities to develop our faith and connect with God.  A refusal to deal with fear is by default a refusal to deal with God.

In facing our fears and rejoicing by faith for our change, we connect with the One who has been our winning advantage against fear all along.

Live It!   You know what you’re afraid of—take these steps and get to work on your change now!