The Choice is Yours

A couple years ago, when I started to pursue a career in financial coaching, I thought I knew exactly what God had planned for me.

I thought that was the moment He revealed the trajectory of my life. I was excited. I was feeling refreshed, and my eyes were opened. There was no doubt in my mind that I’d just received everything I needed. Funny thing is, I still didn’t have a clue…

See, when I realized I had a passion to help others with their personal finances, I was thankful to discover my purpose. But in my journey to start learning more about money through training and professional courses, God showed me that I’d been wrong about something my entire life. 

Nothing I have is mine. I learned this during the first Compass financial discipleship study I’d ever taken. It wasn’t what I’d signed up for, but I’m glad that bit of truth is what I got. 

I’d been a believer since I was 7, and that was the first time I learned “my” money and possessions actually belonged to Him. 

So, I made a choice at that point: to be free to serve Him. 

When I joined my first financial discipleship study, I had a second mortgage and a home improvement loan, both of which I had no motivation to pay off early. I thought, Well, I have about 20 years to pay these off or it’ll be somebody else’s problem. But realizing it’s all God’s was the motivation I needed to pay back what I owed (Romans 13:7). 

Before taking that study back in 2020, the only reason I ever dreamt of having no debt or job to report to was so that I would have the freedom to do what I want, go where I want, when I want. Now, that is still an option, but the freedom to do what God wants me to do, go where He wants me to go, when He wants me to is so much better… Because I know the reward is greater than anything I could imagine for myself.

It’s the same for you. God gives us the ability to choose (Joshua 24:15). And choosing Him is tough. It’s not easy going against what the flesh wants. I don’t get it right 24/7. But every single time I choose to ignore my desires and follow His, I learn that He is faithful.

I know you may have heard about Compass’ Inaugural Global Conference in Orlando, Fla., March 1 & 2, 2023. So, if you’re feeling challenged by our theme, “Free to Serve Him,” sign up to attend right here: https://compass1.org/globalconference/?mc_cid=377b43afdd&mc_eid=72a41e8b92. 

It’s going to be a fruitful time of fellowship with like-minded folks, Compass and other ministry speakers, and fun.

I know you’ll be blessed if you decide to attend.

When we’re about His business, He’ll see that our business is more than taken care of. That’s just who our God is. 

With gratitude,

Melody Stampley

Managing Editor

P.S. Early-bird pricing for the global conference may not be available much longer. Lock it in while you still can: https://compass1.org/globalconference/?mc_cid=377b43afdd&mc_eid=72a41e8b92. 

AUTHOR BIO 

Melody is the founder of financial coaching business Centsible Finance LLC, which publishes the free e-letter Making Cents. She earned a bachelor’s in public relations from the University of Florida in 2014, and a master’s in global strategic communications from Florida International University in 2017; but she discovered her passion in personal finance and writing, as well as a closer relationship with the Lord, after joining a Compass—Finances God’s Way study in 2020. She now also volunteers as a financial coach for MoneyWise, serves as a member on the Compass Florida board, is the editor for the Compass blog, and a facilitator and trainer for financial discipleship studies. Melody and her husband, Nate, live in South Florida.