God Wants to Give You the Desire of Your Heart

The Art of Trust

When Monica Vega’s marriage ended in divorce, the mother of two discovered $14,000 in debt.

“I had to be the main provider—no child support. So, I would do ramen noodles with chicken a lot. It was a lot. I felt overwhelmed at times.”

She picked up extra shifts with her mom’s cleaning business on top of her full-time retail job. Then in 2012, driving home together, Monica opened up about her dreams of being an artist.

“And I said, ‘Mom, you know, I want my own business. I wanna have, you know, an art place on my own.’ And she said, ‘Well, you better clean up that mess.’”

She sat in church, discouraged—until one sermon changed how she viewed money.

“I realized that money isn’t mine anyway. The Bible is clear in Malachi about giving. So, I did realize that part, but my mindset wasn’t even in a place of, you know, of developing a loving, giving attitude. It was like, ‘Oh, here’s my tithe,’ versus, Okay, what Malachi says—you’re blessed.’”

That shift helped Monica trust God with every dollar she managed.
“And so, I started getting serious and writing down what I’ve tithed. And I also realized too, that tithing is a gateway to open up different opportunities that I needed. I needed things for my children. I needed, you know, to have a steady, consistent grocery list.”

Monica also joined a Christian finance course and worked overtime to slash debt.

“I really became detail-oriented and purposeful and intentional. And I walked with my head held high. I knew that I was doing better from within.”

In less than two years, Monica paid off $14,000 of debt and added to her savings while tithing all the way. When her church released a new digital payment system in 2015, her courage to trust God had increased.

“There was a night before a Friday night church service. I sat down to catch my breath and just kind of take a breather, and I heard Holy Spirit speak to me and say, ‘Give $1,000.’ I said, ‘A thousand?’ I said, ‘Okay, God,’ and I just did it.”

That same year, Monica felt that God was launching her into her dream of finally becoming a professional artist.

“And I just took Him up on the offer. I did obey God, and I was so happy. I had never felt that good in years up until that point.”

Today, she now lives her dream—working full-time, exhibiting her work widely online and in pop-up galleries. This has doubled her income.

“And so I say to Him, ‘I thank You, Lord. You are the Lord over my business. You are the Lord over my talent.’ I felt like God says, ‘See, I told you I won’t leave you. I won’t leave you. I’ll take care of you.’”

Monica’s family supported CBN—passing down a legacy of trust she now carries forward.

“So, my grandmother trusted CBN. CBN has been around for all this time, and it’s just trusted and honored. And we’re thankful because we can trust, as believers, a true news platform that’s giving us the truth of what’s going on.”

Monica says she gives because God gave first. He rescued her. Restored her. Now, she tithes and gives—boldly.

“And I encourage people who don’t tithe to try tithing, because tithing opens up a whole new door of blessing and clarity.”

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” Will you partner with CBN and help plant generously around the world? Your generous giving brings hope to the hopeless and the truth of God’s Word to millions around the world through our humanitarian efforts. Become a CBN partner today and share the love of Christ.