Most of this summer has been financially schizophrenic. Something happens, then it works out, and then a few days later something else goes awry. But through it all, I know I need to pass the financial test. It’s for my own good.

I can’t really explain why I haven’t learned this, but there are some things I need to learn once and for all. I admit that I should have learned it by now, and maybe finally I am getting some knowledge. God will help if you allow Him to do so. By the same token, you have to allow God to be the supreme teacher, and whether you like it or not, you have to take the class, even if it means you are kicking and screaming every step of the way. This involves some points:

God has already registered you for the class so accept it. When the finances started jumping off the rails, I had to take a pause and try to figure out what went wrong, and then figure out how to resolve it. So, I had to write down some things, and number crunch.

Do the homework assigned you and figure out what can be done better. Though I tried to come up with solutions, still other things kept coming to the surface: setting up paying rent in two payments, only for that to not work, so I need to come up with another way to make payment. Loans being refinanced, using a money tracker to see precisely where the money was going, then making changes to cause me to think before buying something. Doing the money tracker opened my eyes to how many times I ate out, how often I went to the grocery store, and deciding to only buy things when I ran out instead of buying things to be stocked up. Only buying things I really needed, not wanted.

Through the whole process, I am learning more to not stress out, but instead immediately give over to God. This was especially helpful during times when there seemed to be no way out. I continue to learn that there is an honest realism to implement truly when I say “God, I trust you.” There is a difference between just doing lip service vs. really meaning those words. I have found when I pray and give something over to God, he really does take it, replacing the inner angst with peace I can’t explain. Even if I wanted to stress over the latest financial snafu, He doesn’t allow me to take it back. For that I am so appreciative.

So, I will continue to take the class God registered me for. While I admit I was kicking and screaming at first, this student has settled in a bit. Now when I have to complete another assignment that I think I can’t pass, God gives me the confidence that I will.

So teach on God, teach on…just let me know when I get my A so I can get out of this class.

From the Message Bible:

Pile your troubles on GOD’s shoulders–he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. Psalm 55:22

Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:7