A financial windfall is an unexpected gain of money or assets. It may come in the form of:
- an inheritance
- a work bonus
- or even a legal settlement
But no matter how it arrives, a windfall meaning is the same:
it’s a surprise surplus that has the potential to change your future.
Financial Windfalls: A Gift and a Test
Financial windfalls are wonderful because they:
- Advance your dreams and prosperity.
- Open doors that were previously shut.
- Enable you to pay off debts and build savings.
However, once you receive a windfall, you must be cautious.
Because receiving a windfall is just the beginning.
You now have to pass the test of financial stewardship.
You have to pass the Test of Wealth.
The Test of Wealth
The Test of Wealth happens when you decide what to do with your unexpected increase.
When you receive a blessing, ask yourself:
- How will I handle this blessing?
- Will I squander it? Or steward it well?
I’ve mentioned before that 70% of one generation’s wealth is lost between the first and second generations. That number jumps to 90% by the third generation!
Even if you manage to steward your blessings well, your children or grandchildren might squander it.
How to Capture and Increase Windfalls
God wants us to become champions of wealth so we can pass our inheritance to future generations.
Think about the early Hebrews: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Each carried a financial and spiritual inheritance that blessed countless people.
We too are called to be beacons of prosperity for a world that needs hope.
Part of this is learning how to steward the blessings God gives us. Then, we must teach our children and grandchildren to carry the blessing.
When you’re ready to start stewarding financial windfalls, follow these biblical steps:
- Pause and Pray: Ask God how He wants you to steward this blessing (see James 1:5).
- Assess Your Financial Position: Identify areas where a windfall can bring relief (see Proverbs 27:23).
- Create a Plan: Consider tithing, building an emergency fund, or investing (see Proverbs 21:5).
- Seek Wise Counsel: Consult trusted advisers (see Proverbs 15:22).
- Resist Impulse Spending: Don’t spend your blessing all at once (see Proverbs 21:20).
- Invest in Generational Wealth: Set up savings accounts for your grandchildren or create a family trust (see Proverbs 13:22).
Conclusion
Financial windfalls are a gift, but they’re also a test.
Luke 16:10 says: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.“
God’s desire is for us to become masters of money, so steward well what He has given you!
P.S. If you need help stewarding a blessing, schedule a Financial Sozo with me. We’ll break off any spiritual hindrances that are blocking your increase.