I’ll say it again: Stop. Pray. Breathe. Begin.

Sadly, getting back to normal often takes its toll on our own lives and the relationships we care so deeply about. We allow so many unnecessary things to clutter our days and distract us from the people who need a relational investment from us.[1]

Sure enough

The day was quite average until the pickup’s engine light came on. Now what? We didn’t need another repair bill. But, sure enough, the transmission did have a problem. We had no choice except to have the repairs done and absorb the cost.

Many people would attest to being stressed out over lingering indebtedness. When bills outweigh resources—with no apparent relief in sight—getting back to normal household spending patterns seems like chasing one elusive dream after another.

Money troubles wreak emotional havoc, too.

Sadly, money troubles don’t just affect our bank accounts, they take a toll on emotions, cause sleepless nights, and have a nasty way of dumping way too much unhappy into our closest relationships.

What if we could see those money woes with fresh eyes. For instance, our transmission problem was unavoidable. We didn’t choose that bill.  But, on the other hand, a binge shopping spree puts the blame on my shoulders. There are times when I do have the power to invite debt into my life—so do you. We also get to choose our attitudes. However, either of those decisions, if not made wisely, could keep us from achieving God’s best for our family and our finances.

A family’s budget can mend depending on what happens next.

You’ll need to be sold out to the concept of change and determined to bring awareness to your family’s spending habits. Without pointing fingers of blame, which is counterproductive, talk about the money struggles. Think tank some practical solutions. Effective teamwork, carried out from love-filled attitudes, is a phenomenal resource.

Every successful team needs an advocate.

Thank God we have one. The Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer, is our strongest advocate. Through prayer we present our needs, and by studying God’s word we are made ready to receive an outpouring of blessings. Once I began to learn what God had to say about money, I discovered an important truth. God’s power, applied in faith to our lives, is the secret ingredient behind all successful change. Our Holy advocate is a personal assistant who helps us remove obstacles and achieve our goals.

Romans 8:26a: The Spirit helps us in our weakness.

John 14:16, 17b: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. …for he lives with you and will be in you.” Jesus

Get to work!

For change to happen, you’ve got to be tired of the same-old, same-old. Instead of feeling down in the dumps, do something totally different.

[1] Remembering Christmas, The Messy Table Podcast, Day 2