Helen sat on the couch, anxious about the notice from her landlord. The rent was due, and her car needed urgent servicing, but her bank account was almost empty after the medical bills for her son’s recent hospital visit and everyday expenses. Her financial situation was worrying, and the stress felt overwhelming.
One solution nagged at the back of her mind—Helen’s elderly parents had offered help several times. They weren’t wealthy, but they had a bit saved up. Yet Helen had always refused … asking them for money felt like admitting failure. She had always prided herself on being independent, working hard to provide for her two children. Could she really go to them now, hat in hand, and admit she needed help?
That evening, Helen paced the floor. Her chest felt tight with anxiety. The easy way out would be to ignore the problem and hope she could scrape by until her next payday. But deep down, she knew this was not sustainable. If she didn’t act now, the late fees would pile up, making things worse.
It took all the courage she could muster, but Helen finally picked up the phone and dialled her parents. Her voice wavered as she explained her situation. The hardest part was saying the words, “I need help.” She half-expected disappointment in their voices or a lecture on how she should manage her finances better. But she pushed through, her courage shining like a beacon in the darkness, a testament to her determination and bravery.
Instead, there was only compassion. Her mother’s voice was calm and reassuring. “We’re family, Helen. You don’t have to do everything on your own.” Her parents didn’t just offer her a loan; they reminded her that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness. Their words wrapped around her like a warm blanket, comforting and reassuring.
It took courage to admit she couldn’t fix everything by herself, but Helen knew she had made the right choice. Her parents’ help showed her that she needed to be courageous in approaching others for help. The relief she felt was like a heavy burden lifted from her shoulders.
Courage builds financial strength.
Courage is essential to building financial strength because it empowers us to make tough decisions, confront uncomfortable realities, and take necessary risks. Financial challenges often come with high levels of uncertainty and stress, and without courage, it is easy to avoid or postpone critical actions that could improve our financial situation.
For example, courage is required to face the truth about our spending habits or debt. Many people prefer to ignore their financial problems out of fear or shame, but avoiding these issues only compounds them. It takes bravery to assess one’s finances honestly, create a budget, or reach out for help when necessary. Whether seeking financial advice, negotiating with creditors, or cutting back on unnecessary expenses, these steps are crucial for long-term financial stability, yet they require courage to initiate.
Courage also plays a key role when we need to step out of our comfort zone to pursue better opportunities. Investing in our future—whether through education, starting a business, or making investment decisions—often involves risks. Without the courage to take calculated risks, we may miss out on significant opportunities for financial growth. Courage allows us to move forward even when the outcome is uncertain, trusting that we can navigate challenges successfully with careful planning and faith.
Moreover, courage is essential in moments of financial hardship. When faced with unexpected expenses or setbacks, seeking short-term fixes that may harm us in the long run can be very tempting. True financial strength requires the courage to make difficult but wise choices, like asking for help or restructuring one’s finances, rather than choosing quick but costly solutions.
In short, courage enables us to face challenges, embrace opportunities, and grow in character and improve financial health.
Courage empowers us to face financial difficulties with trust in God’s faithfulness and provision. In times of economic uncertainty, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or fearful. Yet, Joshua 1:9 tells us,
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
This verse highlights that courage is not just about our strength but about trusting that God is with us in every situation and that His guidance through His Word will help us successfully navigate all life’s challenges. Following His Words takes courage!
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Virtues and Financial Strength
Virtues provide the foundation for wise, ethical, and sustainable financial decisions. While financial strength is often measured in terms of wealth or assets, true financial strength, from a Christian perspective, goes beyond numbers. It’s about handling resources in a way that honours God and reflects our moral and spiritual values. By cultivating virtues, we develop the character necessary to manage finances responsibly, avoid destructive behaviours, and contribute to the flourishing of ourselves and others.
Courage is one of the 7 virtues that contribute to building financial strength.
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