One of the often-overlooked principles in personal finance is the importance of being proactive. We talk a lot about budgeting, saving, investing, and staying out of debt—but underlying all these disciplines is a mindset of preparation and responsibility. This is especially true for us Filipinos, who often face financial curveballs like sudden medical expenses, family emergencies, or economic shifts. In Matthew 17:27 (ESV), we see an interesting moment in the life of Jesus and Peter that gives us a glimpse of proactive financial wisdom:

“However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

At first glance, this verse might seem like a miracle story tucked away in a tax payment scenario. But look closer and you’ll see something practical, even financial. Here’s Jesus, the Son of God, who certainly didn’t owe anything to any man, choosing to pay the temple tax—not because He had to, but to avoid unnecessary conflict and to show humility. But what’s more intriguing is how He provides for the tax.

He tells Peter to go fishing.

1. Faith Does Not Cancel Action

Jesus could have made a coin appear in His hand, or multiplied loaves and fishes again. But He tells Peter to act—to go and fish. There’s a powerful lesson here: faith and action go together. Being proactive with our finances isn’t a lack of faith—it’s actually an act of faith.

As I often say in my talks and books, “God provides, but He doesn’t encourage laziness.” You can pray all you want about your financial struggles, but if you don’t start working on your budget, building your emergency fund, or upskilling for better income, your situation won’t change.

2. Provision Often Comes Through Your Hands

Jesus used Peter’s profession—fishing—to deliver provision. This tells us something important: God blesses the work of our hands. In Deuteronomy 28:12, it says, “The Lord will bless all the work of your hands.”

In my own journey, I’ve seen this over and over. When I was rebuilding my finances after hitting rock bottom, I didn’t just wait for blessings to drop from heaven. I put in the work—speaking, writing, consulting, teaching. And in time, the fish came, so to speak. Not overnight. But with faith, discipline, and a lot of action.

Filipinos are some of the most resilient and hardworking people in the world, but many of us still struggle financially because we don’t plan ahead. We react when problems arise instead of preparing before they come. The principle of being proactive means we anticipate, we save, we build margin, and we make decisions today for the benefit of tomorrow.

3. Take Care of Your Obligations With Integrity

Notice how Jesus wasn’t compelled by obligation or guilt—but He still chose to pay the temple tax “not to give offense.” He lived above reproach. In personal finance, this reminds us of the importance of honoring our financial responsibilities. Whether it’s taxes, debts, or family obligations, being proactive means we don’t wait until things blow up. We plan, we communicate, we act.

For instance, if you know tuition season is coming, start setting aside a little every month instead of waiting for utang season. If you’re aware you’ll need to renew your car registration, factor that into your monthly cash flow. Planning is a form of wisdom.

Cast Your Line

Friend, sometimes the provision God has for you is already swimming nearby—you just haven’t cast your line yet. Being proactive with your finances is one of the most spiritual things you can do. It’s a way of stewarding the life God has entrusted to you. It shows that you’re not just reacting to the world, but that you’re walking in wisdom, discipline, and faith.

So go ahead—cast your line. Build your budget. Start that emergency fund. Have that honest financial conversation. And trust that as you act in faith, God will meet you with provision—even if it comes from the mouth of a fish.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
— Proverbs 21:5 (ESV)

Let’s stay faithful and proactive, one wise decision at a time.