One of the goals I have had for many years is to be debt free. It is one of the areas where I have had more steps backward than forward. I was so frustrated by this!
On my journey to becoming debt free, I have had to face some very difficult things about my past. I have had to be honest with Jesus and it has been a painful experience. Have you noticed that when we get serious about reaching a goal there’s pain involved?
For most of my life I felt very insecure and I would compare myself to others in an unhealthy way. I wanted to be just like them and have what they had. Sometimes I would try to buy the things they had or I would use shopping as a comfort for my pain. This brought an unending circle of pain, debt and frustration.
Can you relate to my struggle? Are you comparing your blessings, troubles and belongings to what others have? As I sought the Lord for healing, Jesus met me in my pain. He began to undo years of bad financial habits bit by bit while I spent time with Him, talking to him and reading the Bible.
During the healing process these words from the Bible helped me a great deal.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield unto us; the Lord will give grace and glory; he will not withhold good from those that walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
“We don’t dare class or compare ourselves with some of the people who advertise themselves. In measuring themselves against each other and comparing themselves with each other, they are simply stupid.”
2 Corinthians (2 Co) 10:12 CJB
Achieving my goal to be debt free meant allowing Jesus to work on my heart. I knew in my head what I was doing wasn’t wise, but my heart just didn’t seem to care. As Jesus healed my heart I began to make wiser choices financially.
Recently, Jesus helped me to become debt free for the first time in my adult life. Although I have reached this goal, I know that I must cling to Jesus to remain debt free. But that’s good! Jesus wants us to cling to him no matter what we are struggling with. I have found that reaching goals is good but staying close to Jesus is so much better by far!
Linda
I am so happy for you to reach this goal!! You have done an amazing job to reach this as a single mom!
I also think this is amazing. Thank you for the transparency of your words. And clinging to Jesus is always a good place to be.
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.