We started the beginning of the year with many plans for 2020, oblivious of the looming COVID pandemic. Right now, we might be discouraged to plan for the future because we don’t know what tomorrow holds. The Israelites had plans before being taken into Babylon and in Babylon God still had a plan for their lives, but were they aware?
God still has a plan for our lives, plan to prosper us and of good hope. We are still called for a special purpose. We are still here because we have a kingdom mandate to pursue and fulfill.
When God calls us, He also provides resources so we can fulfill his mandate, just as God called Abraham: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” (Gen. 12:1; NIV). God provided for him financially as well. “He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.” Abraham knew God as the Source of all things and Provider. “And Abraham said, ‘My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.’” (Gen 22:8; NIV)
As we plan for the next three months, 2021 and a future hope, do we also include a financial plan? As the Bible says in Proverbs 13:16 (TLB): “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!” Proverbs 21:5 (NIV): “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Traditionally, we draft our plan at the beginning of the year. Our God does not operate on calendar days. Our planning should be an ongoing process also driven by God’s seasons. We should not wait; work on the plan NOW. Plan for November, plan for December, plan for January, TODAY.
Things to consider when drafting a financial plan:
God’s purpose for your life and responsibilities; these will drive your financial decisions.
Review your current financial position. Assess your possessions (assets) and debts (liabilities).
Set a financial goal / goals, taking into consideration your life purpose and current financial position. Pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit. You might have a lot of debt; a goal would be to reduce your debt.
Review cash flow and spending habits. What can you do differently which will help you to achieve your financial goals? Set a budget incorporating your financial behaviour. Proverbs 27:12 (NIV): “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
Keamogetswe Molebalwa is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA) and with a passion to teach about financial literacy in Southern Africa through her teaching titled "financial wisdom". She is a regular contributor at Women of Reverence. You can read her story here.