I am sure you immediately wonder why so many good, hardworking people struggle financially? Why do people with great ideas and strong faith still find themselves facing financial difficulties? On the other hand, why does it seem like those who attain financial success often do so at the expense of their soul, compromising their values and purpose in the pursuit of profit?

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with these questions, you’re not alone. In my experiences, I’ve learned that financial success isn’t just about hard work or prayer alone. It’s about mastering the principles of faith, focus, and finance. In this post, we’ll explore how to build a financial fortress around yourself, your business, and your family—without compromising your faith or abandoning your purpose.

What is Faith?

Faith is not just belief in God; even demons believe in God. Faith is more is more than a vague hope for the future. It is a proof of an unbending certainty that integrity (God’s promises, laws, or character) will be upheld. Faith is the proof of your belief in what God has said, demonstrated through consistent action. It’s about trusting in God’s promises and enduring through challenges. As Hebrews 11:1 explains, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. 

Timeless Truth you Should Know About Faith

• Faith is trust and assurance: Faith is rooted in trust, credibility, and assurance. It’s not just believing that God exists (even demons believe that), but trusting in what God has said and demonstrated. The Hebrew word for faith, emunah, means steadfastness, trust, or assurance. The Greek word, pistis, refers to credence, assurance, and endurance.
• Faith is track record-dependent: Faith is built on the integrity and track record of the person making the promise (in this case, God). It’s not blind belief but based on evidence of God’s past faithfulness. For example, if God has provided for you in the past, you can trust Him to do so again.
• Faith is future-oriented:Faith is always cast into the future. It’s about believing in things that are yet to happen, based on God’s promises.For instance, Abraham waited 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise, demonstrating faith in something he had not yet seen.
• Faith is preceded by a promise: Faith requires a declared intent or promise from God. You can’t have faith without a promise to stand on. If God has promised you financial provision, your faith is anchored in that specific promise.
• Faith requires endurance: Faith is not a one-time act but a continuous, enduring trust. It involves staying steadfast even when the promise seems delayed.The endurance component of faith is what keeps you going during challenges and waiting periods.
• Faith is evidence-based: Faith is not blind; it’s based on evidence. On your part, you demonstrate faith through consistent actions and declarations that align with God’s promises. On God’s part, His track record of faithfulness provides the evidence that He can be trusted.
• Faith is agreement with God’s word: In the Igbo language, the word for faith (okwukwe) is a blend of two words: “okwu” (word) and “ikwe” (to believe or to agree). Faith, therefore, means agreement with the word of God. When you have faith, you align your thoughts, words, and actions with what God has said.
• Faith is proof of unbending certainty: Faith is the proof that you are certain God will fulfill His promises. This certainty is unwavering, even in the face of challenges or delays.For example, if you believe God will provide for your needs, your actions (like giving, saving, and working diligently) demonstrate your faith.

Note that without faith, it’s impossible to please God or achieve lasting success. But faith alone isn’t enough—it must be coupled with focus.

What is the Bridge Between Faith and Finances? 

The bridge between Faith and finances is focus. Faith without focus leads to frustration.  In Latin, the word decide means “to cut off.” When you focus, you eliminate alternatives and commit to a single path. It’s the bridge that converts ideas and beliefs into financial success. Focus is what transforms unseen possibilities into tangible reality. It’s the ability to concentrate your energy, attention, and efforts on a specific goal or promise from God. 

Why Does Focus Matter?

In converting your faith to resources, focus matters because of the following reasons: 

• Focus keeps you steadfastness: It helps you stay committed to your goal or  God’s promise, even when challenges arise. It’s about enduring and remaining consistent. Without focus, your faith becomes wavering and ineffective.
• Finances come in honor of focus: Distraction leads to lack, while focus attracts resources. When you’re focused, you demonstrate to God and others that you’re serious about stewarding his promises. This attracts financial blessings.
• Focus ensures alignment with God’s will: Focus helps you align your financial goals with God’s purpose for your life. For example, if your purpose is to serve others, your financial goals should support that mission. When your finances are aligned with your purpose, you avoid the trap of pursuing money at the expense of your faith.
• Focus sustains financial discipline: Faith gives you the vision, but focus helps you implement financial disciplines like tithing, saving, and investing.

What Then Should You Focus On?

For you to effectively focus and turn your faith into finances, you need to focus on these three pillars:  

• The person of God: Meditate on God’s nature and track record. Remind yourself of His promises and past faithfulness.
• The promises of God: Identify specific scriptures that speak to your financial goals. For example, Psalm 112:3 promises wealth and riches to those who fear the Lord.
• The prescriptions of God: Understand the conditions attached to God’s promises. For instance, tithing (Malachi 3:10) working diligently (Proverbs 10:4) are conditions for financial blessing

How to Stay Focused

• Convert promises into goals: Turn God’s promises into specific, time-bound goals. A goal is a target on a timeline with an achievement guarantee, leverage it.
• Eliminate distractions: Cut off activities or habits that don’t align with your financial goals.  Distinguish between your bucket list and focus list: Avoid  unnecessarily multitasking. Focus on one goal at a time until it’s achieved. For example, reduce unnecessary spending or time-wasting activities.
• Take consistent action: Focus on taking small, consistent steps toward your goals. For example, save a portion of your income every month or invest in skills that increase your earning potential.
• Ensure congruency in your goals: Make sure your goals align with your faith and purpose. For example, don’t pursue a career that conflicts with your spiritual beliefs.

How to Guarantee Supplies and Never lack resources 

Once you’ve established your faith and focus, here are four keys to convert them into financial resources:

1. Ensure It Is God Who Sent You: Jesus said, “When I sent you without purse, did you lack anything?” (Luke 22:35). The first step to financial success is knowing that your business, career, or financial path aligns with your God-given purpose. If God has called you to a task, He will provide the resources. Your career should be an offshoot of your purpose, Lack of resources may indicate a misalignment with God’s will. And   avoid compromise at all cost—Don’t pursue money at the expense of your faith or purpose. If your current job conflicts with your values, trust God for a better opportunity. Lastly, learn to funnel resources back to purpose, use your finances to support God’s kingdom and fulfill your assignment.

2. Master High-Value Exchange: We often limit ourselves by asking for small amounts of money. What you ask for is what you receive. I remember when I first launched my training program. I hesitated to charge premium prices, fearing people wouldn’t pay. But when I finally increased my rates, I attracted more serious clients who valued my expertise. That was a turning point for me in understanding high-value exchange. So instead of aiming for small profits, learn to:

• Price yourself higher as long as you have the skills to deliver value (quality attracts investment).
• Offer services and products with high perceived value that solves real problems for your customers or clients
• Negotiate with confidence and think big!

3. Follow Financial Management Laws: Proper financial management ensures that resources flow consistently. Here’s how to manage your finances:

• Tithe Faithfully: Give 10% of your income to God (Malachi 3:10). Tithing opens the windows of heaven for blessings.
• Save Strategically: Save a portion of your income for future needs or investments. Aim to have at least six months’ worth of living expenses saved.
• Sow Generously: Invest in God’s kingdom, help others, and give to charitable causes. Sowing seeds of generosity brings a harvest of blessings.
• Spend Wisely: Avoid unnecessary expenses and live within your means. Create a budget to track your spending.

4. Care About People More Than Quick Profits: People can sense when you genuinely care about them versus when you’re just trying to make money off them. The most successful businesses are built on providing real value, not just chasing profits.

• Serving them genuinely: Focus on meeting the needs of your customers, clients, or community. People can tell when you genuinely care about them.
• Building healthy relationships: Invest in meaningful connections with others. Networking and collaboration often lead to opportunities.
• Giving value: Generosity attracts blessings. When you give your time, resources, or expertise, God ensures you never lack.

if you’re ready to take things to the next level, join the next cohort of Value Elevation Challenge to learn how to master high-value exchange. We’ll be diving deep into the principles of high-value exchange and financial growth

What to do When You Feel Like Giving Up

Life can be tough, and setbacks can leave you feeling discouraged. Here’s how to regain your strength:

1. Stop Struggling on Your Own: Like a drowning person, sometimes the best action is to be still and trust God to lift you up.
2. Change Your Atmosphere: Surround yourself with God’s Word, positive declarations, and supportive people.
3. Seek Clarity of Strategy: Pray for guidance and seek advice from mentors or resources that provide clear direction.
4. Build a Support System: Don’t go through challenges alone. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can encourage and guide you.

Conclusion

Financial success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your faith or purpose. Combining faith, focus, and practical financial principles, will help you build a life of abundance and integrity. Remember, finances come in honor of focus, and God’s promises are yes and amen. Stay committed, trust in His timing, and never stop growing.