Praying for Stability

[ShayB2993]

Good afternoon, friends!

I have had an unorthodox childhood but have found myself modes of stability through every major life event.

While I am very connected to my family, I have been living and supporting myself since I was 17. I went to a private college and paid my way through while accepting some hefty loans. I have prayed for guidance, visited Christian financial counselors and tried to work hard at saving every penny that I can. I have struggled in the past - but am now looking forward to the beautiful parts of life that I can change (and make them nowhere near my experiences). I want a family, a home and a fulfilling career one day. However, those days seem so far away when I still have $42,000 of debt strapped onto my back.

I'm looking for others' advice on how to move my way through heave financial debt or ask if any other Christians have had experiences similar to mine. My friends started a "GoFundMe" account, but I don't want to be a beggar when so many are less fortunate than me. I try and give to other organizations in such trying times but I also feel like I am fiscally unable to do this at the time. How did others use the Word to guide them through stressful times? Did you have mentors?

 

[Emli]

Do you have an income today?

I am in a lot of debt as well. I spend a lot of time in prayer, asking God to lead me into handling money in a more sensible way than I did before. The Bible is clear on the fact that we are supposed to pay all of our debts, yet keep our spendings low and keep ourselves from the love of money.

What God did for me was to lead me away from over-spending, constantly reminding me of Luke 12:15:

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."

I used to buy a lot of things that I didn't need, and I eventually had to stop buying anything altogether, if it wasn't entirely necessary. I also have a food budget of about 70$ a month, which works perfectly for me, since I eat modestly, and I do my best keep the rest of my costs low.

Since Christ told us to sell all of our possessions, I've started to do that as well.

When my debt is gone, and I'm free from the love of money, then I believe that I will have more money to share with whomever God wishes me to share it.

You don't need a mentor, when God is your teacher. Stay pure, true to the Word, pray everyday, and God will bless you with everything you need.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

 

[rocknanchor]

Your stability with patience is good advice. I went through 15-yrs of patient waiting that exceeded yours and while never quit being open to options, also, never quit contemplating my character that was being formed. Now I have both, glory to God!

He knows all too well the weight we can come up against. Some things (related) I requested went 30 years, another (unrelated) 40 years before getting support. I am beginning to see what the bible means by "patience of the saints". Financial struggles are no different and require focused and patient determination.

It is so easy for someone to step in here and say these things when finally free, but are still so weak to remember how unpleasant it feels. Looking back at what I could have done differently, I would say that with my certain abilities of expertise, I could have been more creative in acquiring more wealth.

I am not sure if CF will allow you to post your Gofundme account on the forum pages, you may want to ask a moderator about that?

 

[inquiring mind]

Hi… Welcome to CF! First, I want to congratulate you on your efforts. It never ceases to amaze me how education is sold, and bought, as the number one priority... even to the point of it’s wise for a young person to incur $40 or $50,000 in debt. To me, supporting one's self (and family if you have one) should be our main priority, as far as worldly concerns go. Far too many have apparently become victims of the idea, that you must obtain an undergraduate degree first (at all costs) and then you will be successful.

Again, for me anyway, a much wiser course (for many) would be to acquire technical skills for employment, to adequately support yourself, and then begin the part-time pursuit of a bachelor’s degree as you can afford it (and without any debt if possible). That’s not an easy path, takes perseverance and it’s slow, but saddled with $50K debt and not much of a degree and job isn’t easy either. In my opinion schools didn’t start online education to help the student necessarily, they probably did it in large part because it was a way to access the many who had decided they would not (and couldn’t) pay the high price for the traditional route. After acquiring a bachelors in a non-traditional way, if you have the grades, ability and inclination, borrowing for a professional degree is a different story (likelihood of better investment payback)... but you must still choose wisely.

Education is not a result; it’s a life-long process. Work is a requirement. But, we’re always facing something though, for example, as I age my concerns have turned to affordable healthcare and not losing all our savings or incurring huge debt there. As I said, just expressing my personal opinion, and I sure hope you find relief from your burden. The Lord will make a path for us.

 

[Pilgrim]

Hi Shay, I'm new to the board. I read your post. You didn't state if you have graduated and are now working and what other debt or loans you might have. Also what is your current living situation as far as providing for the basic necessities. If you are not working you should get employed. As a Christian my advice is to work a plan to get debt free as soon as you financially are able. That means don't take on any more loans and living as inexpensively as you possibly can even if you need to more in with your parents or share rent with several roommates. First thing is bank an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of your annual income. Next thing is to put all of your remaining earnings toward the $42K debt. You might be eating rice and beans for the next 2-3 years and your entertainment budget may be close to $0 but that's about what it will take to pay this of quickly. You can do it. Sorry I couldn't be more specific as you didn't provide much detail. Also, pray every day and make tithing a part of your plan if you haven't already. Remember there are no get rich quick schemes out there. Once you pay off that $42K you should start putting away into savings 20-25% of your gross earnings. You will be able to retire when you are 50 years old. Make God number one in your life and walk with Jesus every minute of every hour of every day.

 

[Truthfrees]

Good afternoon, friends!

I have had an unorthodox childhood but have found myself modes of stability through every major life event.

While I am very connected to my family, I have been living and supporting myself since I was 17. I went to a private college and paid my way through while accepting some hefty loans. I have prayed for guidance, visited Christian financial counselors and tried to work hard at saving every penny that I can. I have struggled in the past - but am now looking forward to the beautiful parts of life that I can change (and make them nowhere near my experiences). I want a family, a home and a fulfilling career one day. However, those days seem so far away when I still have $42,000 of debt strapped onto my back.

I'm looking for others' advice on how to move my way through heave financial debt or ask if any other Christians have had experiences similar to mine. My friends started a "GoFundMe" account, but I don't want to be a beggar when so many are less fortunate than me. I try and give to other organizations in such trying times but I also feel like I am fiscally unable to do this at the time. How did others use the Word to guide them through stressful times? Did you have mentors?

God Bless you and welcome to CF!

For the answers to your questions, you might want to check out these 2 forums:

1. Word of Faith

2. Spirit-Filled / Charismatic

Praying for you!