As Whispered 2.com...Sharing Encouraging Words

As Whispered 2...

Sharing Encouraging Words

Ask Anything

First, and most importantly, let me give thanks to GOD for waking me and
allowing me to see another day.

Can anyone tell me how can so many problems come so frequently? Let me
start by stating that both my wife and I are working – her job is more secure and
pays more than mine.   But money is so tight in my household right now
because my hours at work have been cut. It’s definitely been a thin ice
situation. For weeks now, I have been in constant discussions with collectors
from the company who financed my vehicle and mortgage concerning non-
payment (and sometimes repossession of the vehicle at any given moment). I’
ve been honestly explaining my situation and my ability to pay (or not pay) and
by GOD’s grace, the representatives have been really working with us - making
arrangements and negotiating payments or partial payments at the time of the
calls so that my family can keep the vehicle and the house. All I can say is
thank you – to God and the representatives.

When I begin to feel a little at ease about these problems, here comes another
one. My wife’s car breaks down. So now, in a household that goes in many
different directions at the same time, we have only one vehicle in which to get
six people where they need to be. A blessing came through and I was able to
work some extra hours on my job to secure more money to fix the car. But that
money is needed more for the house note for the
month.

I’ve started experiencing migraines – I know they are stress related. They only
subside when I finally fall asleep, which is a struggle with financial thoughts
juggling in my mind.   Last week, I set the clock because I knew I had to pick up
my wife from work (she works from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. and I work the night shift).
After a couple of hours of napping, I awoke and turned to look at the clock, but it
was blank. I remembered the construction in the area so I thought something
must have happened. I have you to know, this was not the case. The power
had been turned off.   I reached for the phone to inform my wife and what do you
know, it’s off too! I drive to the nearest pay phone to call my wife so we can work
this out, thinking all the way I know my wife is tired of this lifestyle.

Let me tell you, I try extremely hard to give my family the best but things seem
blow up in my face. When it rains, it pours! Does anyone have an answer for
me?

Hold on my brother. I know you might not be able to see it right now but life will
get better. As humans, it may seem that “when it rains, it pours.” But as
Christians, we must have faith remembering that the sun does and will shine
after it rains. I know that sometimes we get frustrated with the sudden “down
pour” of problems and situations but we must believe that He will never put
more on us than we can bear. And He will never leave us alone. It's obvious
that He is constantly working through others (the representatives). So, press on
- like you are already doing. By taking on more hours at work and forming a
united front with your wife to confront your financial issues – you seem to be
playing an active role in changing your family’s financial situation.

However, I am concerned with your definition of “best”. Society often defines
“best” by the amount of money spent on a particular object, not acknowledging
the type of financial environment or bind that said object could possibly
produce. Once the focus is less on the symbolic status of said objects and
more on creating a emotionally comfortable environment for ourselves and
those we love, we won’t continually create a hostile and suffocating situation for
ourselves once things don’t happen as we think they should.

Secondly, now would be an excellent time to create a household budget, if you
have not done so already. A successful budget should be designed by you and
your wife - with assistance from a professional, if necessary - and ALL sources
of income and expenditures must be identified. Remember, there is no such
thing as “free money” when a debt is owed.

Thirdly, find ways to cut your costs. If your expenses are more than your income,
that’s debt! Make a change! The thought of leaving your comfort zone (the big
house, the SUV) to explore uncharted territories (the move to a smaller house or
apartment, the purchase of a pre-owned smaller car) may seem overwhelming
and sometimes scary. However, it is up to you to decide whether or not the fear
of the unknown will stop you from seeking a situation that is more conducive for
physical and emotional wellness, as well as peace of mind.

Stay in prayer, as you have. Keep asking God to give you the courage to step
out on faith and the determination to keep fighting and pressing on, even when
it seems like it is you against the world. Be filled with comfort in the realization
that when it seems like you are an army of one, with God as your Commander-
in-Chief, the victory is already yours.