Never.
Never ever.
I've heard of people who've lost and gained fortunes several times in our lives. We all know of people (probably includes some of us) who gain and lose weight over and over throughout their lives. People gain and lose jobs. People gain and lose stuff.
But you'll never get time back. Why do we fight against God's plan for us? Why do we pursue things that, in our human wisdom, we think is the answer, when the answer is with God all the time?
Part of it is that we are bombarded in the media and lots of other sources to go after this or that -- that this will bring you happiness. This will make your income increase. Just do this and you will get results. Even in popular Christian culture we are told if we take certain steps in prayer we'll get what we want from God. Or, we are told if we just believe more we will get what we want. Or, well-meaning loved ones tell you you ought to do such-and-such.
You know what the problem of all this is -- it is either focused on us, temporary fixes or problems.
God leads us all in different ways. He puts His people in all walks of life. I have a friend who has become so dear to me -- her life is so vastly different than mine. But we both are serving Jesus where He has put us.
I don't know what has caught your eye, what've you've done to fix whatever you see is wrong in your life, but let me tell you a few things I've tried (that usually made things worse). Now when you read this realize I know that some people are serving Jesus in just this way and there's nothing wrong with any of them -- they just weren't God's answer for me at the time:
1. I was talked into becoming a Mary Kay consultant (even though I hate selling things and I don't wear a lot of makeup and I am not one of those put-together glamorous women -- in fact, sometimes I look pretty pathetic).
2. I made and sold baby slings (again I had to sell something). I make nice baby slings but I am pretty sure I never made enough to cover the cost of the supplies.
3. I did daycare. Oh boy, I love kids but I am an entertainer not a daycare provider. This didn't work for us at all.
4. I substitute taught for about six months. I was horrible at it. Again, I am an entertainer not a disciplinarian or a teacher (for me being an entertainer means I have about a good hour of energy and attention of the crowd and then I'm through).
5. I sold goat milk soap and homemade skin cream. I still make goat milk soap (because it is really good stuff) but again, I hate to sell anything. I did this at craft tables which I detested. I hate sitting at those tables. I'd rather do about anything than that. I am pretty sure I created more debt with this too because of buying things I was sure I needed to go with my new soap business.
6. I was a ghost writer. I made some money on this but it wasn't for me whatsoever. My writing voice is too strong. It sounded like me and not the woman who hired me.
7. I was a romance writer! Yes, I wrote a Christian romance even though I am not a romance novel reader (any romance novel I read has to be mainly a historical fiction book that includes a relationship).
I know there's a lot more things I tried and failed at but can't remember right now. Well, you can add my writing career -- sometimes I've made money and I think actually I have made more money than the books I've bought but I've bought plenty of books I thought would definitely give me the secret to success that were a waste of money. This list doesn't even include all the things I looked into for the answer to our situation! I truly have a patient and loving husband!
And of course I learned a lot in all I did and so maybe that time wasn't wasted, but the time I've fretted and stressed and worried just did bad things to my health (and grew our debt).
Jesus knew we'd worry and fret. Matthew 6 is the perfect chapter to read if you are worrying about something right now.
Jesus gives us the solution simply: "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33
I love how Eugene H. Peterson translates this verse in The Message:
"Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."
Father God will take care of us. He truly will. He is so creative -- He created Creativity! Sometimes we think we've figured out how He should provide or take care of a problem in our lives and so when He doesn't work that way we miss His answer.
Don't miss His answer. Let Him work. Don't expect Him to do it the way you want Him to do it. He has a much better way.
(Also, for those of you who don't know, my husband has a YouTube Channel where I have begun to upload his sermons. They are mainly audio but there are a few pictures with each. The pictures really don't pertain to the messages but they are there so I could use YouTube. This past Sunday my husband spoke on time. If you'd like to listen click here. His channel is called Green Broke Preacher.)