You're Not In A Financial Crisis, You're In A Faith Crisis

It dawned on me this past week that the problem I had all along wasn’t a financial one—something that seems evident not only for me but for many of you who are reading this. I used to believe that the solution to my money problems lay in putting in long, uncomfortable hours of work. I remember a conversation I had one night with my wife, expressing my frustration with our current finances and my inability to find people or opportunities that could help us overcome the burden that had been looming over our lives.

I’ve been dealing with financial struggle and lack for as long as I can remember. It became a familiar struggle, and I was furious to change that reality. I often found it hard to grasp why I, someone who had discipline, a strong sense of responsibility, resilience, a good work ethic, and a solid education, was still struggling with financial issues. At least, that's what I thought. This frustration sparked many pivotal conversations I had with my wife. I wanted to free her from having to work for someone else just to pay our bills. I was fed up and determined to take matters into my own hands. I vividly remember the resolve I felt, telling myself that from that point on, I would sacrifice whatever it took to get us out of this situation. I also promised myself that I wouldn’t rely on anyone else moving forward. It wasn’t about reliance; rather, I aimed to help others in hopes of building partnerships that could benefit both myself and those I collaborated with in various business endeavors. 

This realization hit me about six to eight months ago, leading me on a journey of learning the hard way through investing in numerous business ideas. I listened to seemingly successful individuals I found on YouTube and dedicated nearly all my time to working and strategizing on how I could change my financial future. I cut out socializing with friends and family to focus fully on this pursuit. 

During this time, I grappled with the following popular misconceptions that played repeatedly in my head:

 Popular Sayings That Are Misconceptions

1. “If you work hard enough, you’ll succeed.”

• Misconception:
  Hard work alone guarantees success.

• Why it's flawed:
  Many people work hard their entire lives without financial freedom—due to lack of access, timing, opportunity, systems, or divine alignment.

2. “Time is money.”

• Misconception:
  Every moment not making money is wasted.

• Why it's flawed:
  This mindset can rob you of rest, relationships, creativity, and spiritual peace. Time is a gift—not just a commodity.

3. “You only live once (YOLO).”

• Misconception:
  Live it up, take financial risks, spend now, worry later.

• Why it's flawed:
  It encourages impulsive spending and shortsighted decisions, ignoring the need for stewardship and long-term vision.

4. “Rise and grind.”

• Misconception:
  The path to wealth is all about hustle and burning yourself out daily.

• Why it's flawed:
  Hustle with or without direction leads to burnout, not breakthrough. Discipline and clarity beat nonstop motion.

5. “No days off.”

• Misconception:
  Rest is for the weak. Real winners never stop.

• Why it's flawed:
  Sabbath, rest, and rhythm are essential for sustainable growth and long-term success—spiritually, mentally, and financially.

6. “Money doesn’t sleep.”

• Misconception:
  If you sleep, you're missing out. Stay up, keep chasing.

• Why it's flawed:
  Healthy success comes from smart decisions, not sleep deprivation or scarcity-driven anxiety.

7. “Fake it ‘til you make it.”

• Misconception:
  Pretend to be successful until it manifests.

• Why it's flawed:
  This promotes image over integrity, and illusion over authenticity. Real success is built on real growth, not performance.

8. “Secure the bag at all costs.”

• Misconception:
  Chasing money should be the top priority.

• Why it's flawed:
  If you lose yourself or your values to get rich, the cost is too high. Purpose should come before profit.
  
  

9. “Grind now, shine later.”

• Misconception:
  Sacrifice all joy and balance now, and you’ll be rewarded someday.

• Why it's flawed:
  This mindset often delays happiness indefinitely. Financial freedom comes through wise habits and alignment, not just delayed joy.

10. “Success is 100% up to you.”

• Misconception:
  Your effort controls everything.

• Why it's flawed:
  While effort matters, success is also shaped by favor, timing, relationships, grace, and opportunity—many of which are outside of our control.
  
  
  

These misconceptions have lingered in my mind, both consciously and subconsciously, for much of my life. I’m sure some of you have experienced similar thoughts.

These beliefs haunted me, reinforcing the idea that it was entirely within my power and timing to achieve the life I desired. Popular theories suggest that you can will yourself into the life you want, but for those of us who believe, this contradicts the plan that God has for our lives.

As I began to realize I was following a path that wasn’t suitable for me, I discovered, through God’s grace, that a key element I had relied on during both good and challenging times was missing. I was in disbelief, as I had always thought it was present.

The missing ingredient was my faith in God. Ever since I dedicated my life to serving Him, my faith has been my backbone, helping me through every challenge. Although the word "faith" is commonly used, it is often applied the least. This is understandable, especially since

“Faith involves believing in something you cannot see immediately and relying on God to sustain you through any situation you may face.”

Over time, my faith completely diminished. I started operating based on my own strength and logic, which took a major toll on both me and my wife. I struggled to lead myself, let alone her, while functioning in this manner. I thought the faith I had in one season would carry me through all subsequent seasons. However, I learned that God requires us to increase our faith in every season He presents, as this deepens our intimacy with Him and brings benefits beyond our comprehension.

I believed that working long hours or positioning myself to increase my income would be the answer, as it seems like a proven formula from a worldly standpoint. However, for God-fearing believers, this is not our formula. The shift occurs when we begin to view our situations from a faith perspective, choosing to trust God over our circumstances, knowledge, and abilities.

God wants us to trust Him with our burdens, dreams, and desires, because He will help guide us through it all.

God’s formula for financial breakthrough or any breakthrough:

Step 1: Seek God First

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33
Before asking God how to get, ask Him who to become. Intimacy with God positions you to receive revelation, not just resources.

Step 2: Surrender Control

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
Breakthrough often begins with letting go. Release your grip on outcomes and trust His process.

Step 3: Obey Promptly

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19
Delayed obedience can delay destiny. God blesses obedience, not hustle. Listen and act—even when it doesn’t make sense.

Step 4: Speak Life & Truth

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21
Don’t cancel your prayers with your words. Declare God’s promises daily over your finances, your mind, and your calling.

Step 5: Sow Where God Leads

“Give, and it will be given to you... For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:38
Breakthrough often begins with sacrificial sowing. Give not just out of surplus but out of faith.

Step 6: Steward What You Have

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10
Breakthrough doesn’t always come from more—it comes from managing well what you already have.

Step 7: Expect Supernatural Results

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” — Ephesians 3:20
Faith is expectation in action. Stop looking for natural results from a supernatural God. Expect miracles. Walk by faith.

Step 8: Have and Keep Faith

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23
Faith doesn’t just believe once—it endures. Keep your faith strong when progress feels slow and results seem distant. Faith sustained is breakthrough sustained.

Breakthrough isn't just about what God does—it’s about who you become in the process. Align with His will, walk in obedience, and stay surrendered. That’s where the true shift happens.

Ask yourself: Are you following God’s formula—or your own? If you’ve been chasing income without insight, or provision without positioning, pause today. Surrender. Listen. Align. Obey. Let God lead the strategy.

Spotlight or Quote

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

— Proverbs 3:5

Let that sink in: God's formula for breakthrough begins where your understanding ends.

Bonus Links or Tools
Journal Prompt: “What area of my life or finances am I still trying to control instead of trusting God?”

 Faith-Focused Closing Message
Breakthrough isn’t a moment—it’s a process of obedience, trust, and stewardship. God is not asking you to figure everything out. He’s asking you to walk with Him through it all. What looks like a delay might be your preparation. What feels like a drought might be your pruning. Stay faithful. Stay aligned.

If this message spoke to your spirit and you’re ready to go deeper in your walk, finances, or calling, I’d love to walk with you. I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you break free from striving and step into Spirit-led strategy for your life.

→ Schedule a session or connect with me at:
📧 gabe@purebeliefstudio.com
🌐 www.purebeliefstudio.com
Let’s journey together—faith-first, purpose-driven, breakthrough-bound.

Until next time,Gabe Jenkins
Founder, Pure Belief Studio