God's Provision

[Willow]

So I have some thoughts and questions I wanted to throw out there. Please bear in mind my computer access is limited so I might be a few days in responding.

My family and I have always struggled financially. We never wanted to be the kind of people who always think about it, but somehow, it became that way, wondering where enough money would come from every month to pay for the basics, food, rent, etc.

Lately I can't tell you how hard we have been hit. The latest was today. Another $600 problem we have to solve.

So my question is, if you can solve it by paying the issue off with a loan, debt to someone or some institution or credit card, is it really provision? Has our need been provided for? i mean, the car is fixed....but we get further into debt.....into bondage.

Ephesians 3:19-21 (New King James Version)

19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

This verse is loaded and I know that there are spiritual conditions and other factors that work to completing the end result, or is there? Where is the line? My need is that I have to get to work, I live 1 hour away from my job now and no public transit connects the cities in between here and there. Our car dies. It's old and there is bound to be issues. But we cant afford a new one, or even a new 'old' one. So my need is to have the car keep working or have the money to fix it. Is a credit card God's answer? Is it my answer trying to do this on my own power? How long do I wait before it's clear there isn't any money appearing in my bank account or the car wont start that shows I have allowed enough time to pass to show I have faith to wait for God to work?

Please don't mistake me!!! (I think I am sounding angry). I am not mad. I am tired and weary, but I just would like some input. My parents are getting depressed as they usually do in these situations. I am just unsure and I want something to give them to encourage them and me to not give up hope that our needs are being met and that sometime soon, provision to get out of debt will come as well.

What do you guys think?

God bless,

Willow

[Keith]

Willow...

I won't even try to pretend that I understand how difficult this must be. I haven't had to care for aging parents or anyone else. I want to pray about your post and come back to it. I don't have the answers. But I know how to intercede for others. And I know what it is to be weary.

[Gerioke]

I'm in the same situation. It's hard to keep a positive attitude when you keep getting knocked down, I know the Lord appreciates it when we can raise our heads and shrug off the adversity.

God's grace be with you.

[imylrdsrvnt1997]

Money!

This is something I have also struggled with I guess ever since I have started earning money. Going into debt isn't the way to go. Although sometimes it happens. One thing I learned at an early age was called a budget. I get paid a certain amount and my bills should not exceed that. In fact, we should be saving. Until recently, unfortunately, I wouldn't live by a budget. I tried, failed and failed even worse. I prayed but continued to take the situation from God's hands and continued to deal with it myself and failed again. The Lord has helped me, even when I failed, but I know that I wasn't letting Him take care of it or at least listen to Him about what to do.

Not living within my budget caused my problems. I guess I got tired of being knocked upside the head all these years and decided to finally listen. I am know (for a week) on a budget and feeling good. I know that the Lord has provided a way for me and I listen now.

I know that there are surprises that come up from time to time. ($600.00 ouch)

There are plenty of Christian Financial helps out there and I will post one (if I can) if you need me to. I hope this will help you some. I also will be praying for you and your situation.

[Willow]

Hi Guys!

Thanks for your encouragement. I know that God will see us through!

Our finances have come through some devastating family issues. Dad got cancer and for 4 months hasn't worked. His health insurance only pays 60% of what he used to make. We were budgeting and just making it then. They(mom and dad) bought a house last year which is a miracle for them. Now we are faced with the possibility of not being able to make mortgage payments. I am an only child and still at home. I lost my job recently and found another one which pays about 40% less that my last one, and I am giving mom and dad every penny I can to keep things floating - after all I need a place to live too. My car died on my birthday this year (April) and my aunt bought me a used car which was stolen one week after I got it from the parking lot while visiting dad in the hospital after his surgery. We just got an insurance settlement on it and had to use that to cover the mortgage last month. So our only car we had left is now not running still in our front yard. It actually was estimated it will only take $500 to fix it. Still....we are trying to find money to get me to work and for food.

......you see why I have issues......

Still, God is good and I know that. But we really need a miracle....

Thanks for your prayers everyone. Please know I appreciate them and I know God hears them!

Willow