Finding Hope in Seasons of Missed Expectations with Sharon Epps

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Hi, I'm Rob West. We all make plans, but life doesn't always go as expected. Missed expectations can be painful, especially when we've done everything right. But even in the waiting, God is still at work. Sharon Epps joins us today to share how we can wait with faith and walk forward with hope. And then it's on to your calls at 800-525-7000. That's 800-525-7000.

This is Faith and Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial journey. Well, it's always a pleasure to have Sharon Epps with us. She's president of Kingdom Advisors, and Sharon, great to see you. And it's always the best part of my day.

Well, we love it too. I think we can all relate to the idea, Sharon, that reality doesn't always match our expectations. So let's start there.

How would you counsel someone who's dealing with that situation right now? Well, you know, we all experience some form of missed expectations from time to time. The market isn't performing the way we need to retire, might be a current one. We nailed the interview but didn't get the job. The medical bill comes in 10 times higher than we expected.

Or maybe it's conflict in the family and kids are fighting over the inheritance from your parents, whatever it is. Probably the greatest missed expectation in human history was the cross. The Jews were looking for a conquering king, and Jesus' disciples hoped to have positions of authority in Christ's kingdom.

But in a matter of days, the disciples went from praising God for all the miracles they had seen and celebrating his Jerusalem entrance by shouting Hosanna in Luke 19 37 to being scattered with no hope when Jesus was arrested and crucified. And there are few places that are harder to live in than the gap between what we expect and what we actually get. The void that separates what we think we deserve and what our lives have actually delivered to us. We can barely tolerate being there and we'll do anything to find a way out.

I know I do. But the cross shows us that we have always reasons to hope in the Lord. That's powerful and I'm sure really resonating with a lot of our listeners today.

Sharon, I know you counseled many people going through a situation like this. When people face unmet expectations, how do they usually respond and what should we be careful to avoid? Well, there's a few common reactions. First of all, I think sometimes we just adjust our expectations lower. We just don't want to be disappointed again. And when we do that, oftentimes it diminishes our hope and it causes us to stop dreaming altogether.

So that's not a good path. Other times, though, we go the opposite direction. We try to force things to take control or lash out or manipulate circumstances to make ourselves feel better. And many of us will bounce back and forth between the two, either resignation or anger, passive acceptance or intense striving. But God's strategy is different and he invites us to wait.

He sure does. But that can, of course, be one of the hardest things to do, especially waiting with hope. So how can you encourage us from scripture during these seasons? Well, Psalm 27 14 says simply wait for the Lord. But here's something you have to understand about waiting.

It might feel passive, but it's actually very active. One of my favorite pastors, Kevin Queen, once said, The work God wants to do in us while we wait is as important as what we are waiting for. And I've experienced that in seasons of my own life, waiting for restoration, whether it's financial, physical or relationally. During one particularly hard season, a mentor gave me an assignment and he said, Watch for what God is doing in this season that he could do in no other way. So sometimes missed expectations reveal that my desires aren't aligned with God's and I need to surrender. But other times he has work to do in me or others and waiting is the only path to see it unfold.

That's really encouraging. Sharon, for those who find themselves in a season of waiting, perhaps you could share a few practical steps they could take in this season. Well, I'm taking these from the book of Habakkuk. It might not be quite as familiar, but one of the famous verses there is where the Lord says, I'm doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. And so that's the first thing, acknowledge that God is at work even when you can't see it. The second thing is to change your perspective.

Get in a place that you can see from God's point of view and ask him to show you his hand at work. And finally, worship. Be sure and worship. Oh, wow. That is so good. Well, Sharon, I know that there's a lot in our listening audience today who are in that season of waiting or missed expectations, and this has been a huge encouragement for them. Thanks for sharing today.

Absolutely. That's Sharon Epps. She's president here at Kingdom Advisors. She's a regular contributor, and we always love when she does.

We'll be back with your questions after this. 800-525-7000. Are you looking for a financial professional who aligns with your biblical values? Certified Kingdom Advisors are trusted financial, legal or accounting professionals who have completed a rigorous certification program to ensure they provide biblically wise financial advice as part of their practice. You can find a local CKA professional in your area by going to faithbuy.com and clicking Find a CKA.

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This institution is not federally insured. Great to have you with us today on Faith and Finance. In the news today, a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with the savings rates they're getting at their local bank. A new survey by Vanguard shows that most respondents are earning less than 3% on savings that they're that they're keeping in traditional banks. That's happening while many higher yield savings account at online banks have rates from four to four and a half percent.

Even now, more than two thirds of those surveyed said they'll change their savings plans in the next year, mostly because of inflation, suggesting that more people are considering the move to an online bank. Some of the reasons folks have put off doing that are first, they're more comfortable being able to go into a bank and speak to someone in person. Secondly, others are afraid that online banks may pose security risks, which, by the way, really isn't the case, at least not any more than a traditional bank.

Think about it. Even though they have that brick and mortar operation, you're probably doing most of your banking through their online portal. Again, no different than an online bank.

They just lack that physical presence. Another reason is the perceived complexity of setting up new accounts and updating automatic payments or direct deposits to them. But with yields a point or two higher at online banks, a lot of folks are starting to realize that it's probably worth the trouble to make the switch.

And by the way, these days you can set it up in just a couple of minutes and I realize you have to update some information. But keep in mind, if you're leaving your primary checking account where it is and you're just updating your savings, you probably don't have direct deposit going there. You may are likely not making automatic debits from that to pay bills. That's probably coming out of your main operating account.

So probably isn't required going to require a whole lot of work on your part. Let me also mention that if you would like a solution that pays very attractive interest rates and shares your values as a Christ follower, I think that's where Christian Community Credit Union, our partner, can be a great resource. They're a not-for-profit serving Christians with really compelling banking solutions, but also making sure that a portion of every dollar that comes in is going to support Christian ministries around the globe doing work in the name of Jesus. A great partner for you to consider at JoinChristianCommunity.com.

That's JoinChristianCommunity.com to learn more. All right, we're going to dive into your questions today. I've got a few lines open so you can call right now.

800-525-7000. Let's go to Illinois. Hi, Frank. Go ahead.

Hello. So I've been very fortunate and blessed and I've reached a point in my life where I'd like to start giving back more. And I was just curious if tithing is giving to animal charities and foundations, does that count towards tithing? Or how is that related? Or is that meant specifically to give back to other fellow people?

Yeah. Yeah, it's a great question. You know, this is a topic that's been long debated in the church just in terms of how do we think about the tithe? Because when you go back and look at it, you know, you will see many instances of the tithe. In fact, I believe, you know, you're going to see the idea of tithing 15 times in Scripture.

The word itself is used almost 50 times. And if you look at it, it's it's largely in the Old Testament. There was actually three tithes, a part of the Mosaic law, and one of them was every three years.

So it came out to be about 23 and a third percent. But the idea was consistent and the word tithe means a tenth. And it was based on your increase, your first fruits in an agrarian society that was often the first fruits of the harvest.

We would most likely see that today as the first fruits of our income or whatever increase comes our way. And then we do see it referenced in the New Testament. But what's interesting is, and this is probably more than you want, but it's just I think it's fascinating when we look at it, is when we look at, you know, really the richest and the longest teachings on money given by Jesus and the apostles in God's word.

And we look at those 21 chapters in John and Mark and 2 Thessalonians and 1 John and Acts and James and 1 and 2 Corinthians. What's really interesting is you might think that that would come up, you know, the tithe would come up. But when we look at how many times Christ or the apostles mentioned tithing in those primary 21 teachings about money and giving in the New Testament, the tithe comes up zero times.

It's just not there. Again, it's referenced a few times, but it's not a part of those most significant teachings. So what do we do with that? Well, I think what we do is we say the tithe is a great guideline. I like the idea of the tithe as the starting point for our giving. It gives us to give systematically and proportionately. But I think New Testament giving is really, you know, so much bigger than that, you know, to whom much is given, much is required.

And Jesus celebrates the sacrificial gift of the widow who gave her last two copper coins out of her poverty. And so we, those of us who have seen what Jesus did for us on the cross, I think should be even more generous. Because remember, none of it's ours.

It's all his. The question is, how much should we keep? And so we should be givers. We should order our financial lives to give. Now, I gave you a lot there and you just asked a simple question.

So let's talk about your question. One of the ways I think we honor the Old Testament tithe is by giving faithfully to the local church to advance the gospel and rightly compensate our spiritual leaders. And this was clearly a part of the Old Testament, you know, Mosaic law tithe, and it was called the Levitical tithe.

And it was that tithe that was given to support those Levitical priests in the temple. And so I think if we're going to honor the tithe and use that as a part of our giving, giving a tenth on our increase, I think that should start with the local church. So I think my answer to you would be, is it should that go to the church versus another secular charity like one that supports animals and animals are God's creation. So I have no problem with you supporting animals, but I would say for that which you're considering the tithe, I would give to the local church.

And then you're giving beyond that, certainly things that are your passion would be great. I personally would would prioritize those things that are on the heart of God in Scripture. And actually we have a great article in this in Faithful Steward issue one called the aligning your giving with God's heart. I want to send you a copy of it and I want you to read that article because David Wills does a great job at looking through Scripture and saying, what are the places that are on the heart of God as it relates to our giving?

And he unpacks each of them. And I think as you read this, it might be an encouragement to you. So stay on the line. We'll get that out to you. Frank, we appreciate your call today. I hope that was helpful to you. Let's go to Oklahoma. Hi Linda.

How can I help? Yes, this is my first time calling and I would like to know all the disability and SSI. They was going to increase their money every month when I heard it was like a week ago, but I'm not sure that I heard it right on the radio. Yeah. Yeah. So what you may be referring to is there's something called a cost of living adjustment and there was been a two and a half percent cost of living adjustment that was applied to both SSI and SSDI benefits beginning in January of 2025.

And so that just helps you keep pace with inflation so that that increase of two and a half percent could be potentially what you're talking about. Do you have to call in on it? No, that happens automatically. Okay. Yeah, so I'm not familiar with whether there's any other bills, you know, being proposed or that have already been put in place.

But I know, you know, that's really the only thing definitive that I'm aware of but that that should automatically be applied across the board for everybody who's receiving benefits. Oh, okay. Okay. All right. Thank you.

You're welcome. And Linda, thank you for calling for the first time today. We're delighted to have you on the program call anytime. Well folks, we're just getting started here today on Faith and Finance.

We've got some calls coming in, but we also have lines open. So if you have a financial question today, we'd certainly love to get you in the mix call right now 800-525-7000 helping you see God is your ultimate treasure. This is Faith and Finance.

We'll be back with much more just around the corner stick around. Are you a financial professional looking to grow your practice while offering advice that aligns with your Christian values by becoming a certified Kingdom advisor? You'll gain the biblical wisdom and professional credibility to serve clients who are seeking faith-based financial guidance each year more than 75,000 people.

Search for a certified Kingdom advisor. Join our community and share your expertise with clients looking for someone who shares their faith and values start your journey today by going to kingdomadvisors.com slash get certified. We are grateful for support from Crossmark Global Investments. They are a faith-based firm with a goal of offering values-based investments to help align financial choices and faith ensuring a portfolio that reflects what matters most.

Crossmark does this through investment solutions that span the capital market spectrum from large cap to small cap strategies, including equity fixed income and balance strategies. They are led by industry veteran Bob Doll CFA a regular guest on the Faith and Finance program. More information is available at crossmarkglobal.com Great to have you with us today on Faith and Finance. I'm Ron West looking forward to taking your calls and questions today. 800-525-7000 is the number to call.

Let's go Florida next, Angela. How can we help you today? Yes. Thank you for taking my call. Thank you for your ministry.

This is more of an obedient question, a factor of obedience. Last year we sold a house and it is always my intent whenever I get the Lord blesses me with more than I would normally have that I would put a tent whether to the church or to other organizations that I subscribe to but we were in a year of season of traveling. And so I was doing all travel arrangements and I only gave to one tenth of what I was supposed to give and it's been my pastor was talking about stewardship the other day over the month. I became so convicted.

I remembered my goodness. I did not put the 90% you know in the tie to my church. So in obedience, I wanted to know according to my financial advisor. Why not wait until a CD that is due in July? Why not wait to take it from that which is such a lump sum and it would not incur any taxes as opposed to taking it from our investment account. Now, what is your wise advice on that, please? Well, first of all, Angela, let me just say I appreciate the spirit and the heart behind this question because clearly you want to honor the Lord with every part of your life and that includes your financial stewardship and as one piece of your financial stewardship because I believe the way we handle everything God entrust to us, whether we're enjoying it by, you know, planning a special time with our family away or perhaps helping somebody in need or supporting the work of the local church. All of that can be done to the glory of God as we surrender to God's purposes and accept our role as a steward. So there's nothing more spiritual about giving money away than there is using it, you know, to enjoy as long as it's done.

I think an appropriate way with surrender and in a prayerful attitude. Now, it doesn't mean we should live lavishly and you know, just have the mindless accumulation of wealth. Don't get me wrong there, but I'm saying as long as we have the right heart posture, really it all can be done to God's glory as long as he is our ultimate treasure and money is a tool to accomplish his purposes. Now, clearly we're to be givers as God's people. We see that throughout Scripture and one place that shows up is in the biblical view of the tithe. We see, you know, 15 particular instances in Scripture, although the word itself is there nearly 50 times, and as we look at that Old Testament use of the tithe, there was actually three different tithes that totaled 23 and a third percent. But I love the idea of you taking a portion of your increase and giving it to the local church. So I think you're right on there, but I think as New Testament believers, those who have seen what Christ did on our behalf on the cross, we shouldn't stop there. Our giving should even be sacrificial, going beyond the proportionate gift, and it should be something that we do as an act of worship. And I think we should do it cheerfully because God's not an accountant, you know, watching every cent that we give.

That's not how we please the Lord. It's all about the why behind the gift. So with that as the backdrop, let me ask or address this specific question that you have. In terms of where to pull it from, I would start with not the counsel that your advisor gave you, although I appreciate it because part of his or her job is to help you understand how to maximize the resources you have, and the tax implications are one piece of that. But I would start with what is your conviction as you think about it and pray through it and talk to the Lord about it. If you feel like he's leading you to give that gift right away, then I would do that without consideration of the tax impact. But if you feel like, no, I ultimately want to give it, but this is not about, you know, this happening as soon as possible. And, you know, I have the freedom then to think about the right strategic use of these funds in a way that minimizes the tax liability. There's nothing wrong with that.

I just wouldn't go that direction purely for the financial reasons if your heart and your conviction is to do that as soon as possible. Does that make sense, though? Yes, it certainly does. Yes.

So where would you say you're at in that process? I think because it is something that I had found from before. I always like to do what I say. Yes. And when I think, you know, of David and the sacrifice that he had to make, I think when he bought the seal from that guy and he said, should I not make a sacrifice? It's like, you know, you had to make a sacrifice.

So he paid for it or something like that. I'm thinking that, you know, it's a sacrifice I want to make. It's not necessarily about, OK, I'm going to save some money. I don't know if it makes sense what I'm saying.

Yes. You know, it's, you know, that since I made this vow to the Lord, then I want to carry it out as soon as possible. He saw in my heart that I did not, I completely forgot that I did not give the, you know, to the church. So I wanted to know whether, you know, I should go ahead and be obedient, do it now, or wait, which, you know, to save some dollars, some taxes, you know.

Yes, ma'am. Yeah, I think you're talking about the story of Arunah, the Jebusite in 2 Samuel, and I appreciate that conviction, absolutely. And I think if that's the way the Lord is convicting you, as long as you're not doing it out of guilt or feeling like you've displeased the Lord in any way, because I don't believe that's the reality.

I mean, I believe your heart is such, just even hearing you describe it, that the Lord is, in my view, pleased with the approach you're taking here, that you want to honor the Lord, and you want to honor your vows and your commitments, and I can certainly appreciate that. And so I think if your conviction is such that you need to do this as soon as possible to honor that commitment, then I would carry that out, even if there was a cost to it. And at that point, I would say, okay, let's look at the assets that you have today, and let's decide where the best place is to pull from, even though it may cost you something, versus you waiting and saving and doing it over time where you don't have to liquidate one of these assets. So if you were to do that now, give me a rundown of what the possible assets are that you could tap into.

Ooh, I can't even begin to tell you that. I could just say that the amount, the total amount is $500,000, and it's coming from all different, you know, plans that you have. And what is the amount you're looking to give right away? It would be around $9,000, $10,000. Okay.

Yeah, I mean, the tax impact of that is going to be so minimal. So here's what I would do. I would call your advisor back and say, I appreciate your counsel.

You're doing exactly what I hired you to do and telling me to wait. My conviction is that I need to do this right now. And so what I'd like for you to tell me is what is the wisest place to pull $9,000 today, realizing that I understand I will have a, there will be a tax hit on this. I'm willing to take that.

I just need to know the best place to pull that $9,000, and then I'd carry that out. Does that make sense? Yes. And you know what, as you were talking, I'm thinking that God will always provide.

Yes, He will. Amen to that. God bless you, Angela. Big thanks to my team today, Devin, Robert, and Taylor. We'll see you next time. Bye-bye. Faith and Finance is provided by Faithfi and listeners like you.