Do You Feel Like a Financial Failure?

Have you experienced financial failure?

I know I have! Financial failure can occur when a business doesn’t work out or from a job loss, a season of overspending, or debt starts piling up faster than expected. It’s painful because it’s usually accompanied with shame. Thankfully, failures are never final. Scripture is filled with accounts of people who made costly mistakes, yet God redeemed their stories. Rather than ignoring the pain, the solution is found in responding correctly.

First, take responsibility. Don’t blame others or make excuses. Proverbs tells us that the wise accept correction. Owning your mistake is the first step toward freedom. Second, honestly assess the damage. List your debts and analyze your spending. Fear and shame thrive in the dark, but a budget will bring clarity. Third, make a simple plan. Cut unnecessary expenses and increase your income if possible. Seek wise counsel from trusted advisors. Finally, guard your heart. Financial failure can tempt us to become fearful or to despair. Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

God cares more about your character than your net worth, and sometimes failure becomes the very thing that He uses to teach us discipline, humility, and dependence on Him. I know he did in my life, and if you’ve stumbled financially, don’t quit. Learn from your mistakes, and get up and start again, fully relying on the Lord!

And if you feel like a failure due to credit card debt, Christian Credit Counselors can really help. They’ll create a debt management plan that will work for you. For more information, visit online at crown.org/ccc.