Money Issues... when God takes control

Do you ever feel that your financial life is in shambles? Do you have too much debt, too little savings, and no sense of control over your life? I was in that same situation twelve years ago. I lost almost everything due to my irresponsible way of handling money. Hitting bottom and hitting it hard was one of the worst and best things that ever happened to me.

The time had come to make dramatic changes...to put my hands to the plow. It was painful, but by God's grace, prayer, and applying the principles of the Bible, I made a 2-fold plan: (1) Cut Spending, and (2) Reduce Debt.

(1) Cut Spending - I cut deep and hard. No more going to the movies, or out to dinner, or buying clothes, or going on vacation. Just the bare necessities: mortgage, utilities, food, and gas.

(2) Reduce Debt - I cut up all of my credit cards. I kept one for emergencies and started using only my debit card. I made up my mind to incur no new debt! Then I listed all my debts in order from the smallest to largest. I paid off my smallest debt first, and as each debt was repaid, I rolled the amount I was paying to the next largest debt. I continued this strategy until all my debts were paid. It took me seven years and a lot of tears. But it was well worth it.

Sometimes God seems to place us in difficult places, leading us into a corner from which there is no escape. Perhaps this is where you find yourself even now. God can deliver you! Trust Him, and then put your hands to the plow!

Written by: Carmen Camino, She Ministries