Many times, poverty is a result of choices made.
It’s possible to either accommodate it or actively challenge it. My family initially accommodated it, and it took many years to free ourselves from its grip.
Poverty doesn’t discriminate; it ravages indiscriminately.
Often, families validate their circumstances through shared experiences. Poverty becomes the shared narrative. Only a few manage to escape its grip. Over time, its stronghold becomes deeply rooted.
“I’ve lived in poverty my entire life, just as my parents did, and their parents before them. It’s like an inherited ailment, persisting through generations.” (Hell or High Water, 2016)
Overthrowing such deeply ingrained beliefs requires an intense form of combat. Our tools in this battle are spiritual, and God equips us with His grace to wage this war.
Strongholds:
Remember, our spiritual weapons are potent tools for tearing down these strongholds (II Corinthians 10:4 NKJV).
My mother’s family hailed from a quaint town in rural Missouri. They were devout, God-respecting farmers. Church attendance on Sundays was non-negotiable, and a prayer was always said before meals.
Swearing was a rarity, but poverty was a frequent guest. The Jackson family, my family, had been ensnared by poverty’s grasp.
However, my relatives started to dismantle the chains of poverty, drawing strength from their faith, but it demanded patience.
Transform:
False beliefs often lead to misguided decisions. As Christians, it’s our duty to rectify these misconceptions through scripture.
Our society tends to blame others for individual struggles. People often blame their financial woes on the government or the affluent. This mindset isn’t new; it dates back to ancient times, and it remains misguided.
The Almighty has empowered us with the means to prosper (Deuteronomy 8:18). If we don’t embrace His promises, breaking free from poverty becomes a herculean task. The journey begins with a change in mindset. Our beliefs profoundly influence our actions.
We must strive not to be swayed by the world’s views, but be renewed by God’s teachings, so we can discern His true purpose for us (Romans 12:2 NKJV).
By default, our thoughts align with worldly perspectives. We’re constantly bombarded with negative sentiments. To counter these, we must turn to scripture.
Regular engagement with the scriptures can help our beliefs evolve, challenging the prevailing societal norms. Surprisingly, a significant portion of millionaires built their wealth from scratch. Yet, this fact is often overshadowed to fuel societal unrest.
God’s vision and methods surpass ours (Isaiah 55:8). If we wish to attain prosperity, our thoughts must align with His. Dedicate time daily to refresh your perspective with scripture, and let divine thoughts replace worldly ones.
Imagine:
God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah of an heir took time to manifest. God showed Abraham the stars as a representation of his future descendants, perhaps to fuel his imagination and offer a tangible vision of the promise.
Our imaginations play a pivotal role in achieving our aspirations. Before creation, there’s imagination. Before Noah built the ark, he envisioned it with unwavering faith, guided by a divine blueprint.
Meditate:
Meditation varies in form. Some advocate emptying the mind, while in biblical meditation, the aim is to fill the mind with purposeful thought.
The act of repetition, akin to meditation in Hebrew traditions, is like drawing sustenance from scripture, much like a cow deriving nutrients from its food.
By immersing oneself in scripture, like Deuteronomy 8:18, and repetitively focusing on its message, the teachings migrate from our minds to our hearts, influencing our actions.
Exclaim:
Celebrate the teachings! Express them with fervor and passion. Share these revelations with God during prayers, with yourself, and with any forces that challenge your spirit.
Isaiah spoke of engaging with God, not to challenge Him, but to reiterate His promises and rejuvenate our faith. We’re not trying to convince God, but to fortify our beliefs. Jesus overcame adversities, and we can too, with scripture as our guide.
Wield the spiritual sword with confidence!
In Summary:
My grandparents started the journey of freeing our family from poverty. They set the stage, and their children carried on the fight, relying on spiritual guidance. Some sought solace in worldly solutions, but they lacked the power to challenge the oppressive spirit of poverty.
Transform – Dedicate time daily to scripture. Start with a chapter from Proverbs corresponding to the date.
Imagine – Envision a life of prosperity, free from debt, and let faith guide your steps.
Meditate – Choose specific scriptures and internalize them.
Exclaim – Use prayer time to passionately reinforce your beliefs.
If you’re trapped in the cycle of familial poverty, I empathize. I’ve been there but found a way out through God’s grace. Embrace these principles, and they will work wonders.
Commit to these strategies, practice them daily, and witness God’s transformative power in your life.
Remember, all it takes is patience.
