I Didn’t Know I Worshipped Money—Until God Showed Me

Learning to trust the One who provides more than just paychecks.

Another vulnerable share here. I recall sitting on the front steps of my parents' home as a young girl, longing to be anywhere but there. Dreaming of where life might take me, I wanted to see and experience everything beyond South Dakota.

With the encouragement—and a tough love push—from a friend who said, "Make a decision. Move on. You'll do great. There's more to life than this place. What are you waiting for? Do it!" I took the leap. I researched schools and landed in Madison, SD—about four hours from the family farm I grew up on. A big jump to a place where I didn’t know a soul, but it still felt like a start to something bigger.

I had no intention of staying in Madison—only to get my degree, move on, and land somewhere financially better. Welp—30+ years later, I’m still here. Still in Madison. Still in South Dakota.

After college, I worked—and worked hard. Always aiming for that next goal, that better position, that higher paycheck with benefits. I was good at my job. But I also knew it wasn’t truly my passion. Marriage, children, and financial responsibilities came, and I chose to keep striving. Earning more. Believing we needed more. That we’d free fall if I ever scaled back, quit, or chose to pursue something I actually loved.

Enter: the school of hard knocks.

Even though I stayed the course, my jobs allowed me to travel—across the country and even to countries outside the United States. It filled a bit of the wanderlust I’d had sitting on those front steps as a little girl.

As time went on, though, the long hours and constant travel took a toll. A six-figure income was no longer at the top of my list. So, I took a 50% pay cut—thinking we could manage financially—and again took a job I was good at, but didn’t love. I felt stuck. Like it was too late to start over. How would we make it on even less income? I wasn’t ready to sacrifice the lifestyle we’d grown used to. And—oh—my pride. That deep, loud pride stood in the way too.

Eventually, the job dissatisfaction caught up with me. I dreamed of retiring early. I felt burned out. I dreaded work. But I tried to hang in there—adjust my attitude—and wait for the “right” time to change.

I began praying: God, guide me. Lead me. Put me. Place me. I confessed my pride, my exhaustion, my desire for something different. I was at the end of my rope.

Soon after those prayers, life began to shift—and it hasn’t stopped shifting since. As I look back on the fear and anxiety, I had about lacking… insert anything here… I now realize money had quietly become my idol. Despite thinking my faith was strong, I had unknowingly placed my security in a paycheck.

But God knew. He stripped away the work. At the time, I felt like I was floundering—but now I see He was working in me, changing my heart.

God has provided for my husband and me in incredible ways. Over time, the fear of lack turned into trust. The anxiety gave way to peace. And I began to see that my worship of financial security had kept me from certain things—some of which I’ll always regret missing. But I’m also grateful for what those years gave me: the chance to see and do things God had planned all along.

I didn’t always hate my work—but it didn’t fulfill the deeper purpose my heart longed for. Today, I have several streams of income and a purpose-filled, part-time job loving on seniors. It’s a gift. And for the first time in my life, I look forward to going to work. I even miss it when I’m not there. (The part-time schedule may help with that too. 😉)

This post may feel like a bit of a ramble—but it’s my story. I’ve been blessed throughout, and I believe God made my path straight. I needed to walk through those years to feel deeply content where I am now. He works in wondrous ways—and He worked on my heart to trade fear of financial lack for faith in His provision. And for that… I’m truly grateful.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a job or season you dislike but aren’t sure how to make a change—I’ve been there. I’d love to help. You can schedule a free coaching session below, or if you enjoy my writing, feel free to click and subscribe to this blog. It’s free—and always will be.

Grace to you,

Cindy

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