They Rise Again
In Proverbs 24:16 it is written "For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."
If you've experienced setbacks trying to pay down and eliminate your debts, please open your eyes, ears and heart to absorb these words of truth and encouragement today.
Know this first and foremost, God wants to see you become free of debts as was stated in Romans 13:8 to "Owe no man anything, but to love one another". But don't let the enemy turn this into a negative if you are not there or your progress is not where you want it to be, instead feel empowered that God is on your side in this. When my wife Karen and I left the class "Debt-Free and Prosperous Living", I knew inside that God was going to bless us in this process - that he would "blow wind into our sails" because this was His will.
We "fell" during this process, the next year our furnace failed (in Minnesota in the bitter cold of winter), and we hurriedly found a company that could take care of us with a new unit, but at a huge expense and much more than it should have cost. But God encouraged us, and we rose through it. I took a third job to help do my part and both of us had blessings of unexpected raises overtake us that made a huge difference - not just in our progress financially, but inside, as we knew that God was making a way for us.
But what if that unexpected raise or windfall does not yet materialize? Do one important thing...keep the faith, and "rise again" each day, each paycheck, each month, and do your best to just simply achieve one step towards success... to bring down your debt lower than it was the previous month. Keep moving forward, bringing to remembrance in Matthew 17 where Jesus said "truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. And nothing will be impossible for you." That mountain of debt can seem enormous, but know you are not alone, for God will respond to your faith in Him.
Feed your faith and renew your strength to rise again by bringing to remembrance theses verses:
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Reject the thoughts from the enemy of fear or dread about debt, and replace those thoughts with the knowledge it is the loving God who created the universe and all things who goes with you, that He is on your side, leading you towards victory.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31) When temptation comes to overspend or buy something not necessary, cling to these words and wait, wait, wait patiently... for you shall see your strength renewed to continue and to overcome, as the verse continues - they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10) We look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and the continued strength He showed day after day, because He wanted to please His Father. As He resisted the devil's attempts to tempt Him, His disciples lack of faith at many intervals, the religious leaders refusal to see Him and His Father properly, and laying down His life at the cross. As we look, meditate and love Him more and more for all He has done, it will encourage us to move forward and "rise again".
And in closing, know that whether you've never perceived the need to get free of debts, or have tried and stumbled backwards and feel disheartened... even multiple times, be personally welcomed to come to God and receive all that He has for you:
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need". (Hebrews 4:16)
If you still need encouragement to come to Him, read the post from the location below, or click on the Archives section to December 2014 for the post titled "Let Him Know".
https://broomfieldassemblyfinancialfitness.blogspot.com/search?q=let+him+know
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
