When I moved from Virginia in 2009 and made my way to Charlotte, NC I had no idea that it would be a stopover and part of the divine order to eventually get me to South Carolina. Arriving here with no job and no paycheck for weeks gave me a better appreciation for money when I did receive my first paycheck. After being here for nine years it really feels good to not have to rush to the bank before a check bounces. That was my life once! Immediate gratification of material things will steal your future if you allow it. Learn to live below your means and within your needs. It’s a very comfortable place to be. This did not happen for me overnight. It took a lot of discipline and sacrifice and total transformation from a lack mentality. It happened because God and I both worked hard the minute my feet hit the ground in South Carolina and I haven’t stopped since. I don’t recall being a big spender because I was never in a financial situation that would lend itself to that, although I didn’t always live paycheck to paycheck. I remember my sister-in-law telling me over thirty years ago that you don’t have to save a lot of money when you get paid, just save something and watch it add up. I took her advice and decided to pay myself first. Of course God gets the tithe, but then I get paid.
This message may not resonate with everyone and I truly understand and I pray God’s bountiful blessings upon your finances if you are reading this and still struggling. If you are on the bottom then there is no other way but up. Even a small step is better than taking no step at all. We all have a purpose, and the person who chooses to help you will be serving their purpose. The day that you can look back on your life and realize that your struggle was to strengthen someone else is the day that you begin to live life to the fullest. You will find yourself fighting battles with such ease that you feel like you are standing on the outside of your own life. You don’t just pinch yourself, you look around to make sure you are not dreaming. Your testimony will be different than mine but you will have one. Just trust God and start where you are and let Him do the rest!