This is the hardest thing I've had to face. I've been scammed of my life savings, conned by those who prey on others who are susceptible. In light of the many warnings of our economy failing, our dollar losing its value, and current issues arising worldwide, I sought out information and understanding of the coming changes.
I was convinced that I should move my long-term investments from fiat currency to the emerging cryptocurrency realm. It is the rising technology of the financial system. How could I be so wrong? I believed the voices who introduced me to online transactions, and with much patience and persistence, they instructed me in the matters of this new finance. I trusted them. I believed in their efforts to assist me in learning how to navigate the exchanges, the Blockchain, the bank transfers, and the wallet.
Extremely Painful
This was the procedure until I had no more to deposit. True colors began to show. Phone calls became more pressing. Withdrawals were not processed on schedule. Intimidation became the next form of communication. My questions were not answered. Other voices were brought in to convince me that I must respond to the demands or lose it all and that they were my only hope of retrieving my funds. There is no hope when you deal with the Father of Lies.
My loss is extremely painful before God and my family. I repent of my involvement in this deception, not recognizing nor heeding the warnings along the way. My pride, ignorance, ego, desire for greater financial benefit (greed), and thoughts of self-sufficiency have all been cut down in one fell swoop.
Finding Strength in God's Word
I am humiliated and humbled before God and my family. Satan attacked and sought to devour me. However, I turned to God in repentance, in sincere humility, to seek forgiveness and restoration. I went to the Word to find strength and courage. I sought His face and prayed and turned from all unrighteousness. This is the crucible for me. Jesus is in it with me.
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
I am seeking the Lord with all my heart. My body trembles with thoughts of failing to be a good steward of God’s blessings. I lost my appetite and struggled with sleep—my mistake haunting me. And yet, I know I am a child of God. God forgives me. My sins were nailed to the cross, and He died for me and my salvation. What a wonderful Saviour. I run to Him. He directs me to His Word and promises, which I read aloud so my mind hears and believes and is again empowered by the Holy Spirit of the Living God to trust Him. God is faithful.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
Hebrews 13:5-6
Choosing to Forgive
I wrote emails to the people I dealt with in the organization. The group is called ‘SafeCryptoWorld.’ It is anything but safe. I contacted my bank. I reported this to the police. I wrote a summary of the process and the actions these agents took and posted a review online to warn others. I pray for the salvation of these men. I forgive them as Jesus has forgiven me. I trust God will work all things together for good in this instance. May God be glorified in it and through it. This is my prayer.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
“And He said to me, “’My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…’”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Call to Action
Be careful with the things God has entrusted you to manage. Seek the counsel of other God-fearing persons. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Submit and surrender all aspects of your life to God. Live in His presence. Look for Jesus' return. Share your story, your testimony of God’s comfort and compassion, with others.
All scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
