Happy November! It’s my favorite time of the year. Every November for the past 5 years, I have been hosting the 30 days of Prayer for Financial Freedom. Before I start the 2022 Challenge, I want to share with you the three things I learned from last year’s 30 Days of Prayer for Financial Freedom.
What is Financial Freedom?
- Financial Freedom is where one has an abundance of income coming from multiple sources, where there is no bad debt, there is a reliable income stream, practically all their assets are protected from loss, they own a business that is achieving maximum value, and they have time to pursue whatever life goal they may have.
- According to Forbes, FF means you control your finances and your life choices.
- Another defines it as having enough savings, financial investment, and cash on hand to afford the life you desire for yourself and your family. Your money is working for you rather than the other way around.
Am I financially free- NO- not yet, but I have seeds in the ground, and I’m still planting. I am clearer now about money than I was just four years ago when I started praying for my finances.
So, let’s start with the first thing I learned.
Freedom in Wealth
I learned that financial freedom changes your mind about wealth. God desires for us to be wealthy and financially well. 3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I wish above all else that you prosper and be in good health as your soul prospers. Here wealth is not just money. It’s about your soul being whole. And for your soul to be whole, you must put in some soul work. Soul work is putting action into motion (obedience) so God can bless. A few ways I am doing some soul work are 1) decluttering physically and mentally 2) taking care of my health. Since August, I have lost 30 pounds. 3) Knowing my strengths and weaknesses. This work may be easier said than done, but you don’t have to do the soul work alone. According to John 10:10, Jesus said, But I have come to give you everything in abundance more than you expect- life in its fullness until you overflow. Here is what God offers. Have you taken it? Not only does God want to change our mindset about wealth, but he also wants us to build it. And the way we build is by building our soul. If you’re not settled in your soul, you will mishandle what’s in your hand.
Freedom in Generosity
I learned that financial freedom activates your faith to advance kingdom principles. And one kingdom principle is generosity. In the Kingdom, you give your way to freedom. God has the plan to bless us so we can bless others. According to 9:7-8, God loves a cheerful giver. So God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. To sum up, generosity changes love, generosity connects us with others, generosity helps us invest in what matters, and generosity frees our hearts. According to Chip Ingram, money is the mirror of our heart before God. Where is your heart?
Freedom in Stewardship
Learned that financial freedom increases your level of stewardship. And stewardship here is how you will handle the increase? I wouldn’t say I enjoy budgeting because I feel like I’m not in control, but it helps me control my spending habits, so I budget. I release some, sow some, and save some because God owns everything – another Kingdom principle. Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. He holds everything, so we are the managers of God’s household business. How will I handle the increase? 1) release my tithes, 2) maintain an emergency fund, 3)recognize my needs and wants, 4) get quality advice from experts, 5) take care of my things, and 5) stay healthy. Proverbs 20:21 says, There is a treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise But a foolish man spendeth it up. The contemporary English version says Be sensible and store up precious treasure. Don’t waste them like a fool. Valuables are safe in a wise person’s home; fools put it all out for yard sales. Message.
I don’t know if Ben Franklin said this, but it sounds great, “ A small leak will sink a great ship.”
As a recap
Financial Freedom changes our minds about wealth
Financial Freedom activates our faith to advance the kingdom’s principle- generosity.
Financial Freedom increases our level of stewardship.
Which one resonated with you? Let me know in the comments. I hope you will join me for this year’s challenge. You can visit my website or provide your email to receive additional information.
Ignited Pens 