How I Became Rich

I use to believe that if you had money, you had it all. I thought that my family’s success was defined by our income and as long as I had money, I would have joy, security, and peace.

Little did I know that God would  turn the world I knew upside down to teach me what being rich really means.

In 2009 when my husband was laid off from his job, I found myself full of fear, worry and anxiety. Even though my husband is highly qualified and very hard working, he could not find a job that paid enough to support the lifestyle we had become used to living. Out of desperation, he took a job with a significant cut in salary.

Our lives changed dramatically. It was very painful giving up all the things we enjoyed doing.

It was, however, one of the best things that has happened to us.

Hebrews 12:1-12 talks about how God’s discipline proves His love for us. In Hebrews 12:10b-11 it says “But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”

The Lord “trained” me by stripping away my security blanket, which was the false sense of safety I found in our income.

Martin Luther said “There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind, and the purse.”  It is true. Although I was able to trust God in all other areas of my life, my faith had never been so challenged as it was when our comfortable lifestyle was altered.

It’s been over three years now since the day my husband lost his job, and even though our household income is half of what it used to be, I can honestly say that today I feel like the richest woman alive.

I found freedom when I laid my  idolatry with materialism down at Jesus’s feet and put my confidence in Him.

Today my security is not in our bank account, but in Jesus Christ and the blessed life I have in Him.

Here is what I have learned about what being rich really means:

Being rich has nothing at all to do with money.

Being rich is a condition of our heart (Tweet this).

Being rich is seeing the glass half full and not half empty.

Being rich is being able to have a peace within you no matter what your circumstances.

Being rich is being able to love the unlovable.

Being rich is being able to forgive the unforgivable.

Being rich is being satisfied with those things that have no materialistic value (family and friends).

Being rich is having a heart of gratitude at all times.

Being rich is cherishing the moment.

Being rich is serving God with all your heart, soul and mind.

Being rich is knowing that God will provide for all your needs.

Being rich is having confidence that all you need is found in Jesus Christ.

This, my dear friends, is the rich and satisfying, the abundant life, that Jesus came and died for you to live (John 10:10). All the money in the world cannot buy this.

So, let me ask you… How rich are you?

May you allow the Lord to open your heart and mind to all that He has for you, and may you be able to thank Him for supplying every thing you need, even the very breath you take. May you never take anything for granted in life. Everything and everyone is a gift from God, because He loves you.

Please leave me a comment on what your attitude is towards money and what you believe makes you rich.

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:19