Redefining Financial Success: What It Really Means and How to Get There
It started with chasing the “right” goals: a big house, dream job, the perfect Pinterest-worthy life. But Sarah (or any of us) still felt a gnawing emptiness. Despite pay raises and “success,” she lay awake wondering, “Is this all there is?”
Many faith-filled women know this feeling. Society’s definition of financial success – more money, a fancy title, flashy stuff – often misses something essential.
What if true success isn’t measured in bank statements, but in purpose, peace, and trusting God with our money?
Worldly vs. Biblical Success
Today, “success” is often tied to income brackets, social media, or lifestyle upgrades. But the Bible presents a different measure of wealth.
One Christian ministry says:
“God does not want you to chase wealth… nor a life of poverty. His will is for us to pursue the Kingdom of Heaven above all else.”
Jesus promised:
“Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
This means we don’t let money define us—we use it to honor God.
Proverbs 3:9–10 says:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth… then your barns will be filled…”
And 1 Timothy 6:6–8 reminds us:
“Godliness with contentment is great gain… if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
A GuideStone article explains it clearly:
“All our resources are gifts from God to be managed faithfully on His behalf.”
Success isn’t just a fat bank account—it’s faithful stewardship and peace of mind.
What Scripture Says about Success
God’s priorities are consistent:
- Seek His kingdom first (Matt 6:33)
- Honor Him with your wealth (Prov 3:9–10)
- Be content in every season (1 Tim 6:6–10)
These principles reshape our financial mindset. God wants us to be stewards, not slaves to money.
Practical Steps to Redefine Success
Let’s bring these truths into practice. Think of budgeting, goal-setting, and saving as spiritual disciplines.
1. Budget with Purpose
Pray over your spending plan. Include tithing first (Proverbs 3:9). Track your needs vs. wants. Use your budget as a tool—not a trap—to give, save, and live peacefully.
“Spend less than you earn. Avoid debt. Save for the plan.”
2. Set Faith-Aligned Goals
Rather than chasing lifestyle upgrades, ask: “God, what do You want me to do with this raise?” Maybe it’s blessing others, giving more, or creating a stable home.
Write down your goals. Pray over them. Let your financial vision be rooted in purpose.
3. Cultivate Contentment
Gratitude dissolves comparison. Practice daily thanksgiving, reflect on blessings, and root your peace in Christ, not your wallet.
“The Lord will never leave me… I will not be afraid of lacking.” (Hebrews 13:5–6)
4. Trust God’s Timing
Financial growth takes time. When setbacks come, lean into prayer. 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us:
“The God of all grace… will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Faith builds peace, even when progress is slow.
Erica Odom’s Journey: A Realigned Definition of Success
Erica Odom knows what it means to start from nothing. Once living paycheck-to-paycheck, she faced bankruptcy, ruined credit, and a short sale. But she refused to quit.
“Failure is only failure when a person stops and gives up… If you ‘fail’ and continue to strive forward, you are actually the definition of true success.”
Through prayer, affirmations, and learning, she rebuilt her financial life God’s way. Now, she’s a real estate investor, author, and coach helping women break free from financial fear and shame.
On her site, Erica offers:
- 📘 Books like Journey to Success
- 💬 One-on-one coaching (with free consultations)
- 🛠️ Financial healing tools made for women of faith
Her mission is clear: to help women rebuild their finances on faith and wisdom—not the world’s standards.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve read this far, maybe God is nudging you to start fresh. You don’t have to chase success the world’s way. With God’s help, you can manage your money with purpose and peace.
🌱 Begin today:
- Book a free consultation with Erica »
- Explore her Christian money resources for women »
- Create your first faith-aligned budget and invite God into the process
With every intentional step, you walk closer to real success—measured not by status, but by peace, purpose, and freedom in Christ.