Weathering Storms 

The question isn’t will I encounter financial storms in my life?  The question is what do I do when I encounter financial storms?  They will come.  You need to be ready or else you are setting yourself up for disaster.  “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.”clx   Take the time now, to prepare, so that when the storms come, you will be ready.  By keeping the following information in mind, you will be able to overcome difficulties and even come out stronger. 

First, develop a belief that you are more than anything that happens to you financially.  Prepare a statement or find quotes and scriptures that support this fact.  This will help keep you motivated to continue going, even if it looks like your situation may not get better.  I like the following: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”clxi 

Next, as tempting as it is when things start to get tough, never use credit.  This may take some effort and discipline, but you will be much better off, after the storm has passed, if you do not use credit to get you through.  It may seem painful at times, but consider the words of Thomas Jefferson in a letter to his daughter: “Be assured that it gives much more pain to the mind to be in debt, than to do without any article whatever which we may seem to want.”clxii  

Use wisdom in your decisions.  I think wisdom, during a financial storm, consists of 3 things, that if done consistently will help you weather any storm that may come your way: 

Don’t gamble.  During a storm it is easy to fall for a clever get-rich-quick scheme or to try some other means of getting through the tough time faster.  “Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.”clxiii  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Keep Working towards a solution.  “Honest labor bears a lovely fact.”clxiv  This is true when things are going great and when you are struggling.  It’s easy to get discouraged in the midst of financial difficulties, but keep your head up and keep pressing on. 

Continue to give.  Is it hard? Yes!  You must keep your spirit of generosity alive even when it seems difficult.  “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”clxv 

Lastly, seek God.  In Proverbs it says, “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.”  We will be talking more about trusting God with your finances shortly, but for now, just know that to get through a financial storm it is important to stay in close contact with Him.  So, seek Him and pray often.   

God Bless

Michael at R2W