“But pain insists upon being attended to. 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.

Peter 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, Peter 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 when 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 Peter, It was demanded that he finish what he started. So, Peter 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 wasgoin g to take “a job” that he despised.

His great financial dilemma suddenly appeared: with over $300,000 of school loans and payments resembling a large mortgage payment, Peter need a high paying job. The only solution he saw 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. While reading a dental trade magazine, Peter found an article on ways to maximize the value of his practice to sell to other dentists. He figured out that if he worked hard for 2-3 years ad marketed his practice and created a consistent income he could get out of debt more quickly and move on to a new passion. He found that he liked working with other dentists and loved coaching. Three years as a dentist and Peter sold his business, paid off his school loans, and now provides coaching to other dentists. He is loving life! In this new journey, Peter finds hope, strength, and inspiration. The Lord does provide! He may be preparing you for the next chapter of your life!

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.

Where is your financial dilemma?

How have you overcome past financial dilemmas?

What changes could you make to improve your situation today?