Financial uncertainty can feel like a raging storm, but as believers, we are called to anchor our trust in God’s provision. April is Financial Literacy Month—a powerful reminder that wisdom and stewardship go hand in hand. In a world of corporate layoffs, market shifts, and economic instability, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, just as Jesus calmed the storm in Mark 4:35-41, He invites us to find peace and clarity in Him, even when financial waves threaten to shake our confidence.

In this blog, JoVonne Walker shares her personal journey of overcoming financial hardship through faith and stewardship, offering practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to help you navigate your finances with trust, intention, and peace.

April happens to be Financial Literacy month, and it is quite clear that Financial Literacy is a necessity in the world we live in today. From mass corporate layoffs to banks crashing to housing market highs, financial knowledge and stability can be a scary ordeal, leaving many in financial distress and periods of worry concerning their next steps. This ultimately affects how many show up for themselves, their families and even their work.

It is times like these where we need a Savior named Jesus to help us clear our minds and keep us focus on properly stewarding what we have. I am reminded of Mark 4:35-41:

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

When we look around, it may seem there is a financial hurricane sweeping through, but it is up to us to remember that Jesus brings calm, brings protection, and sees to every one of our needs.

I can remember, experiencing a financial hardship. I had feelings of shame, hopelessness and even depression because it felt like one financial challenge after the other. It was if I could not get ahead of debt, that I had more month than money, and that there was no room to reserve anything. I remember praying and asking God for direction and was quickly reminded of my lack of stewardship over the things I had been given. I was reminded that I needed to clean up unnecessary spending and focus more on priorities and what’s needed to live. The moment I began to rely on God’s direction, my faith was reignited and I began to feel a relief because I had reduced the clutter in my spending habits.

In this season, let’s all be more cognizant of relying on God’s direction as it pertains to our finances. There is one thing for sure, God is smarter than us. Even when there are winds and waves beating against our boats, His plan and direction prevails when we trust Him. Remember that you are not alone in this and when you lean on the Father you will experience peace, calm and clarity in your next steps.

As an added measure of support, I have included three resources that discuss what we as Christians can do to keep our finances in tact and clutter free.

1. 8 Ways to Trust God When Money is Tight
2. Cutting Through the Clutter: Christian Minimalism
3. 12 Financial Principles of Stewardship

JoVonne Walker is a native of Cincinnati, OH, currently residing in Charlotte, NC. From retail to supply chain to nonprofit management to access to capital, JoVonne is a business connector who works with leaders and organizations to produce profitable results. Her education stems from Penn State (BS) and Ohio University (MBA). Her areas of expertise include program development, communications, and grant writing and acquisition. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. JoVonne also believes that everyone has the opportunity to win, that is why she makes it her mission to encourage others to relentlessly pursue their God-given dreams.