God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. –C.S. Lewis

If you suffer, thank God! — it is a sure sign that you are alive. –Elbert Hubbard

How often do we seem to be between a rock and a hard place?  We seemed to be pinned against the wall.  All hope is lost.  You are overdrawn on the checking account.  The credit cards are maxed.  It is a struggle to make ends meet. Or you are about to retire and the stock market collapsed, delaying your plans for years.  Any number of financial circumstances can appear to be a disaster.  There seems to be a growing sense of doubt.   However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.  There is always hope in Christ.  He can help you no matter where you are.  You just need to let go and place your trust in Him.

Paul always had a dream of being a dentist. The thought of helping people maintain, repair, and protect their teeth, seemed like a noble and rewarding path.  He did research, talked to people he knew in the profession, searched for schools, then made his careful calculated decision to pursue dental school – a minimum 8 year commitment.  He knew the cost of school was going to be incredible – deep into six figures, but the starting salary and future income potential would take care of itself.

As much research and homework as he did, Paul could not prepare himself for the incredible letdown that was ahead.  In his third year of dental school, he wanted to quit.  He did not like his school, his professors, or even the material he was learning.  The process, procedure, and life applications became dull and meaningless to him. He lost focus on his early dreams as he found they had no substance.  What really drove him into the profession?  He searched and searched and found the answer was money and the approval of his dad.  This was his dad’s dream, not his.

After a lengthy discussion with his dad who drove over 500 miles to personally consult with Paul, it was demanded that he finish what he started.  So, Paul reluctantly, continued school.  The desire and will to drop out of school continued year after year.  He finally finished his dental program and entered the “real world” knowing he was in a profession that he not only disliked, he actually despised.

His great financial dilemma suddenly appeared:   with over $300,000 of school loans and payments resembling a large mortgage payment, Paul need a high paying job.  The only solution he had was to work in the dental field for enough time to pay the loans off.  He estimated it would take approximately 8-10 years.  With this in mind, he loathed work.  It was like a prison cell.   He would often become physically sick over his new life.

But little did he know his dream job was right around the corner.  Paul ended up building up his practice and selling it a full fives years before he estimated.  He created a financial plan, worked hard in his business, set up a practice in an ideal location, and leaned on God.  All the while, he kept his dream of  owning a bed and breakfast alive.  After paying off his student loans, Paul’s business netted him almost a million dollars – not bad for a job he despised.  This was just enough to start his dream business as a bed and breakfast owner.  Today Paul owns several bed and breakfasts throughout New England.  In his time of weakness, Paul found new hope, strength and inspiration through his relationship with Christ.  The Lord does provide!

Where is your financial dilemma?

How have you overcome past financial dilemmas?

What changes could you make to improve your situation today?

Passage Deuteronomy 4:30:
When you are in tribulation and all these things come upon you, in the latter days you will turn to the Lord your God and be obedient to His voice.