Debt-Free by 31: 3 Biblical Keys That Made It HappenSample

DAY 3: Stewardship That Leads to Freedom

True financial freedom isn't just about making more money - it's about stewarding well what God has already given you.

When we started our journey to pay off our mortgage, we made two critical stewardship decisions that accelerated our progress dramatically.

First, we knew where every single dollar went.

Most people have unknowingly handed over the financial steering wheel of their lives to everyone else - the banks, creditors, subscription services, and impulse purchases. They're technically in charge, but everyone else is making the real decisions about where their money goes.

Using a simple tracking system, we discovered hundreds of dollars slipping through our fingers each month - money that could have been going toward our mortgage. This wasn't about becoming obsessive penny-pinchers. It was about honoring God by being intentional stewards of what He had entrusted to us.

Second, we turned our God-given talents into income.

I tried many different side hustles - from selling beeswax candles to building websites - until I found the perfect intersection of what I enjoyed, was gifted at, and could earn from. This became a blog about the intersection of the Bible and money that eventually provided significant extra income toward our mortgage payments.

This principle connects directly to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, where Jesus commends the servants who multiplied what they were given. God has given each of us unique abilities and resources that, when invested wisely, can yield tremendous fruit, including accelerated debt freedom.

Today's Challenge: Write down three talents or skills God has given you. How might one of these be developed into an additional income stream? Then, identify one area where you suspect money might be leaking from your budget. Commit to tracking your spending in this area for just one week.

Looking back now from the other side of mortgage freedom, those choices we made seem so small compared to the incredible freedom we gained. The journey required diligence and patience, but the financial peace was worth every sacrifice.

Remember, God hasn't called you to simply manage debt for the rest of your life. He's invited you into a journey of faithful stewardship that can lead to extraordinary freedom. And that freedom isn't just for your own benefit - it positions you to be more generous and available for whatever God calls you to do next.

Let's pray: Father, thank You for everything You've entrusted to me. Help me to be a diligent steward of my finances, time, and talents. Show me opportunities to multiply what You've given me so I can experience more freedom and be a greater blessing to others. I want to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" when my journey is complete.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Take the next step to grow what God's given you:

If this devotional has inspired you to pursue greater financial freedom, I'd love to help you take the next step. You don't need to resign yourself to decades of mortgage payments - there's a biblical path to faster freedom.

👉 Learn the complete system we used to become debt-free by 31 here