Walk Away

Posted on March 21 2007

I remember a crucial point in my financial life where I found a “tremendous deal” on a car lot. This was a deal that both me and the salesperson felt would not come around again. I could easily justify buying this car to most people including myself. I was getting a good deal, the payments were a little high however it could fit within my budget and it was a car I had been searching to find for the past few months. Something did not feel right though. I didn’t have complete peace however I continued to move in the direction of purchasing this vehicle.

The night before the deal was supposed to take place I had a conversation with my dad. He told me, “Joe, if you don’t have absolute peace about purchasing this vehicle, then walk away. You will always find another great deal on an automobile. The important part is that you must listen to your heart as this is so often how God speaks to us.” I did walk away from that deal and it wasn’t easy. I questioned myself for about a week after I chose to walk away.

Two weeks later, I was driving to pick my wife up at the airport when I spotted my true “dream car”. A 1987 Volkswagen Westfalia Poptop Camper. It only had 80K miles on it and in mint condition. I purchased this vehicle for $2800.00. I was at peace with this decision. As I returned home I began researching this vehicle and seeing what they sold for on various web sites. To my great surprise I had truly found a gem. Within 3 weeks of purchasing this van for $2800.00 I was able to turn around and sell it for $8600.00. We used the monies to pay off our credit card debt.

Had I purchased the first vehicle, even though it did make sense, I would have robbed God of a true blessing. I had to decide, do I go with what society says is normal and justifiable or will I trust God for my needs and wants.

God does honor us as we seek him for our financial direction and daily guidance. It is not easy depriving ourselves of things that seem so normal and justifiable in society. It is not normal these days to walk away from a deal. It is not normal these days to even save because of the feeling of entitlement. Next time you’re in a crunch to make a decision and you just do not have the peace God promises us, I encourage you to take a step back and walk away. Listen to God speak to you. There will be another opportunity.

They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up on wings as eagles, they will run and not be weary they will walk and not faint.-Isaiah 40:31

Joe Larson FLCS Certified Credit Counselor