Hey, My Darling Ones!
Thank you so much for praying for our Bible study launch last night. God brought us such a great group! Lots of new faces and lots of familiar ones, too. I love a marvelous blend of both! It was my first time to teach in our newly renovated sanctuary. It was so beautiful and the quality of sound was the difference between night and day. I am profoundly humbled and blessed this morning that God would allow me, such a former pit-dweller, to serve a plate of His Word to a hungry soul. The way I see it, I’m a waitress.
Let me also give you a quick reminder that tomorrow is the 15th and you that are part of our Siesta Scripture-memory Team will need to be ready to sign in and give your 2nd Scriptures on that (not this) post. If God hasn’t pointed out a specific verse, you are also very welcome to share mine. I’ll give it to you tomorrow. You’ll know if you should share mine by whether or not it resonates with you as something you personally (“N” in our RENEW acrostic) NEED. Also, Siestas, thank you so much for your encouragement over the mini-tutorial! It built up my spirit more than you could know. You made me laugh over your comments about liking the rough videos because you could see the professional ones any old time. It was refreshing. YOU are refreshing. One last thing about the mini-tutorial. It meant the world to me to see you give so many shout-outs to Sabrina. She and the rest of this happy band of women (and one-lone man) at LPM work so hard. Thank you for always recognizing them. They are family to me. I could not esteem them more highly.
OK, now for how I’d like to hear from you today. I am very concerned about those of you who are suffering ramifications from our nation’s current financial crisis. Our unemployment rate is skyrocketing and the threat of further layoffs can be terrifying and demoralizing. I’ve already begun praying for servants of God who are suffering financial blows but my prayers feel more effective AND DIRECTED if I have some names and stories feeding them. If you are feeling the crunch and could use some powerful Siest-ercession (I just made that up. I made my own self laugh.), please post a comment so we can pray for you! Keep your comment limited to a reasonable one-paragraph length so we can read every single one of them and pray. It will really help if you’ll tell us your name and what part of the country (or world!) you are in, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free! I know that we’ll all be tempted to write comments back to our Siestas who describe a need but it will be so much easier to use the comments to this post for prayer if we limit them only to the ones making specific requests. Thank you for your cooperation!
You are so loved and welcome here. You have become an extremely important branch of this ministry and all of us here at LPM are honored to be your servants. Keep fighting the good fight of faith, Sisters! Jesus is worthy!
PS. Girls, I’ve already been reading a number of your needs (over 200 at this point) and praying while nearly bawling. I have become so fond of you that your needs feel like my needs. The Apostle Paul told us that when one part of the body hurts, the whole body hurts. I guess you could consider me the nose on this body. And it is really stinging. And running. I was nearly overcome by the one who is having to lay off 7 people today and is almost physically ill over it. Take heart, all of you! God never prompts us to pray with no intention of responding. It’s just not His style. He initiates prayer to initiate action…often first on Earth so that He can view love and obedience at work…then in Heaven where wonders reside then powerfuly descend in Divine timing. He loves you so much. ABIDE in that love. (Which reminds me, I totally loved the comment from the mom that ended with what her three year-old daughter says at the conclusion of her prayers: “Jesus love me, Amen.” HE DOES.)
Thank you so much, Beth, for offering to pray for us. Our situation is so unique that I can’t divulge details here, but I take comfort in the fact that God knows each and every detail and He hears and answers our prayers even if we don’t post them publicly. We have really been struggling to hang on as self-employed business owners for a few months already, and in the 11th hour and 59th minute of our most desperate need in early December, God came through in the most amazing way and totally provided, once again, for the month of December, right through the Christmas season. What a blessing that was! God is so good!!
Unfortunately, we’re now in the middle of January, and my husband and I are both starting to feel that horrible pain again of possibly not being able to make ends meet this month. I so love it when God shows up, and I so hate the doubt that creeps into our souls when we don’t see how He’s going to do it. We feel as though we are right where God wants us to be, but wow, do we need a huge dose of provision to be able to catch up and then move on and an even bigger dose of affirmation that we are still where He wants us or else a swift kick out the door and into a better plan.
Beth,
I hope you read this, I know it’s on the bottom of pile of needs.
I’d love to share the whole story, but I’ll try to keep it to the nuggets that pertain to your question.
I had a great job at a wonderful company as an electrical engineer. Four months ago I was let go. It was a complete surprise and hit me hard because of the circumstances involved.
I still do not have a new job, and am getting concerned as my unemployment is draining. I live alone and have no one to rely on or share expenses with.
The other aspect is that in March of 2008, I had a intense desire to learn biblical Greek. I called Northeastern Seminary and asked if I could just take the Greek class (I had spoken with them a few times years before about their programs). Bottom line is that five days later I started my first class in the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program (I won’t take Greek until this summer).
I am continuing with school, still looking for a job, but filled with questions about what God is doing in this situation and where He wants me to be.
So much more to tell, but not in a blog…
Thanks,
Michele
Liverpool, NY
Our issues are tiny compared to some, but….My husband lost his job in November and is dealing with some serious medical issues to boot. I have to take some classes before I can go back to work. Oh yea…and we have 3 little girls, the youngest is 9 months. So, we ask for guidance…should I go back to work or be home with the girls. What is God calling us to do and be during this crazy time?
I just wanted to praise the Lord and let ya’ll know I looked it up on the computer and the little bird was a house sparrow that flew on my van around the time my Grandmother passed away. God is just so awesome that He cares enough for us to give us signs and wonders.
My husband works in the car industry as a salesman. In his almost 20 years, we’ve never been through a time like this. It’s hard to support a family with a commission-based salary. Business has picked up a bit since the start of the year, but the news continues to broadcast the doom and gloom. Please pray for stability for this market and for peace in his heart during this time.
The small, family-owned company I work for is completely cash-strapped. Our customers are taking longer and longer to pay and the owners have to put money in several times a month just to keep the employees paid. The owner simply cannot keep doing this and I am afraid many people’s jobs are in jeopardy.
Please pray for continued provision from the Lord. I am lifting up all of you in prayer tonight as well. Our God is so good.
Please pray for the salvation of my son’s fiancee, as she deals with an unexpected pregnancy and my son being laid off from his job in the home building industry.He is currently valet parking but does not make enough to support himself, much less a family.My son is saved but fell in love with a non-believer. Now they are expecting a baby in mid April and she is terrified of the future.She will go on maternity leave in mid-March for 3 months without pay.
Thank you so very much for your prayers!
My husband and I are Realtors. The “crunch” hit this industry hard. We also found out last year our two year old daughter has a rare birth defect with her spine. We are watching and waiting as God moves mountains that only He can move. This is the third year of our “crunch” and we are still trying to get on top. God is good and we have seen that time and time again. Satan will not steal, kill and destroy what God has intended for good!!
LL
Florida
Thank you so much for praying! This blog helps so much! I appreciated all the comments about the websites on coupons and saving money. My fav so far has been fivedollardinners.com. Awesome! My husband was laid off from construction last week and things are not looking good! But I have seen God do awesome things before so I have faith that he will do awesome things again! Our best work is done in prayer and speaking his Word! Love you all so much and I am praying for these needs as well.
anonymous said –
Would love and appreciate prayer. I have made it through 2 rounds of layoffs over the past several weeks. Lost several “close” work mates. Change in manager etc. etc. I am miserable. I am trying hard to stay positive. It’s certainly not the right time to be making any changes.
I’m asking God for peace, favor and for me to be able to be VALUE ADD or to GET ME OUT OF THERE!
Sincerely,
Grateful for the intercession
Beth, thank you for giving us this specific opportunity to pray for each other. The needs in this regard touch everyone in this country. PRAYER WARRIORS, UNITE!
Ann
Bedford, VA
Beth,
I think I am beginning to see just how big my God is! Yesterday I asked for prayers for my brother-in-law Nicholas in Dallas. I found out that yesterday afternoon not only did he hear back from a company, but it was THE company he is most interested in working for. I don’t know why I seem so surprised. I really believe God answers prayers, but sometimes I think He answers them for everyone else. I just have to say I am a believer today. Thanks for mentoring this sister.
Jan
Scrambling for words, no other way to put it THIS night is LIFE has been tough this week. Especially tonight. December and January is incredibly hard for my husbands business. We are looking at about six weeks now with barely any income. Creditors have been barracudas circling and i feel so demolished. To make matters worse, the small amount that we deposited into our tiny bank account Monday was deducted yesterday from our account leaving our balance at around $23. The whole time I am praying – LORD, what am I not seeing? Have mercy upon me this day. Sometimes a lesson is learned when the small print isn’t read and/or explained and/understood. Me, I am no financial expert – just trying to do the right thing and become debt free. So hard when the tidle waves keep on knocking us down. Pray that I would have Romans 12:12-13 about me. Just want to bring glory to HIM who pulled me from the pit – and this really bothers me that i just cannot pay my debt and go on to what He has called me to do.
I don’t usually ask for anything, but please pray that God would bring glory to Himself even out of a broken story such as mine. He is the potter, I am the clay.
Love you so much – cannot thank you enough for putting this post up. Love, Alisa in Cheraw, SC
Thank You for Praying for all of us…. I am married with 6 children, My oldest is out of Iraq and in college, my second oldest just returned from Iraq (Praise God) We have 4 younger ones at home and our house was just foreclosed, We both work full time and thank God we both have jobs, however the jobs we have had to take are not enough to pay the bills, at this point we are just pulling through, Yet, the children still need clothes and shoes and they have given up so much and I would just pray that we are able to make it through with some time this year getting them to the denist and Doctor. Clothing and shoes seems out of reach at the moment. It is overwhelming and I just can’t seem to pray or work hard enough. The Lord is providing, it just seems like such a Long season and I hate it for my children. After being married for 15 years, our marriage is struggling to hold on because of the financial struggles. I know God has not left us, but I don’t know if I have done something wrong or I am supposed to be learning something, I just wish it didn’t effect the children like this. Thank you for your prayers.
My husband works selling contruction supplies. He works three hours away from home, causing him to be gone all week long,leaving me a single mom to 2 teenage boys, a four year old daughter, a Chinese foreign exchange student and an elderly parent with a life threatening disease for 4 to 5 days of the week. We’ve been doing this for 9 years, feeling like it is something God has called him to do. Business is way down in the construction industry and the non-christian bosses are doing a good job of handling this so far with cut-backs, not replacing employees when they move on to other jobs, selling assets and looking at sales to other industries. They have cancelled health insurance for all dependants, which is ok because I would rather know that my husband has a job, but it is an added worry. We really feel God has a reason for us to be in this company, although we don’t exactly know what it is. However, credit card bills and medical bills are adding up, taxes are due, our vehicles are getting many, many miles on them, we are 4 years into a five year adjustable rate mortgage, need to refinance and I have been hit heavily with depression, Satan’s attacks and lack of support from those around me. I’m usually not one to complain and it is hard for me to ask for my needs. I know God will provide somehow. If we can just get through the next two years or so without me having to find a job… until I no longer have my dad to care for and my daughter can be in school full time. Thank you so much for offering to pray for us and for providing a safe place for us to lay down our troubles. I am memorizing scripture with you and I know that God is using it to strengthen me.
Catherine in WA
thank you for praying..
i am a recent college graduate who quit her job in september to go back to grad school, and then ended up figuring out that was not the right choice.. {all of this was before the economy crashed} and so i don’t have a job, or as much experience as others and so it’s not that fun right now.. i know so many people being laid off {b/c my age group is the first to go} so, i guess if someone could pray for hope and faith that God is still around and has an actual plan would be really really appreciated. thanks
Thanks for your prayers.
I have had to cut down hours at work because of health issues, but all of our expenses have gone up, particularly our rent and medical bills. I cannot earn enough to pay everything and I need to trust God instead of being afraid. I KNOW my husband and I are doing everything we can, please pray for our situation but most of all that we will remember who God is and how He has provided in the past.
Susan in Alabama
Thanks for your compassion.
I can’t begin to explain the financial burden that has us sick and discouraged. My husband and I need help. We need wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do what we need to do.
I’m feeling the crunch and am living with a sense of forboding about the future about our country. We want to get out of debt quickly and am even considering not tithing to do so. Not tithing is a sin, and being in too much debt is a sin, right or wrong? Any thoughts?
Our Jehovah-Jireh is faithful, and I praise God each day for carrying us through one day-at-a-time. My husband is currently employed with benefits, but I made the choice three years ago to leave my fulltime job in church ministry to pursue God’s call to homeschool our children. Three years without my salary has taken its toll, and we know that losing my husband’s job could be devastating, yet we do not fear. We lean on God’s promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus and pray, with you, for those who are in dire financial circumstances. Thank you for praying for ALL of us — I know of no one who isn’t feeling pinched at this point, some more than others. Bless you, Beth!
I just wanted to praise God for sustaining us through financial difficulty. After coming to this church as Sr. pastor (my husband), the economy locally & nationally began to crumble. The staff willingly took a 5% pay cut to help with the deficit in our budget. That was touch on our 1 income family. We as a family also decided to give 15% tithe instead of 10%. Sure we had to cut back but we were still able to take a vacation to the beach (God helped us find an inexpensive place) and we haven't been eating beans & potatoes for every meal. The 5% was reinstated with the new budget and we are still giving 15% on 1 income and God continues to meet our needs and even some of our wants. We don't deserve it but do not take it for granted. Tina in FL
My husband’s job got outsourced last year,and we were transferred to Florida from Georgia. We have a house that needs to sell, we are unable to rent it for income because a family of 9 is staying there due to a foreclosure of their own, and we have high rent where we are, things are tight. Yet we know that God is our Provider, El Shaddai. Thank you so much for your prayers and for your love ministry to God’s women.
My husband lost his job the week before Ike hit. Houston’s economy seems to have gotten worse since Ike especially in his field of healthcare. We are willing to move but have only been in our house 9 months and realize that could be a difficult sale. I was going to look for work but fell and have a broken arm.
Thank you for your inspiration at bible study Tuesday night. We do need us a “Jesus Year”!!
love you!
When you posted this request, I prayed for those who had posted replies and thanked God that He continued to bless us in this difficult time in our nation’s economy.
This morning, I learned that my husband has been let go from his job in a “downsizing” and at 62 years of age the prospects, at first glance, don’t look too hopeful for work in his field.
Our retirement funds have taken quite a hit recently and we will lose our medical insurance, which is sorely needed as we both have significant ongoing health issues.
My husband is a new Christ follower and together with God’s help we can weather this storm, but we know it will be a challenge none the less.
Beth, the blessing I already see in this is, through the gift of grace, my husband is so CALM and is at peace. I know that God has many more blesssings in store for him and for us, blessings that we can’t yet see.
Thank you and your staff for your prayers. God means this all for good.
I will continue to pray for you and your ministry of the Word. You are such a blessing to us all.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share. I have gone from being a successful real estate broker to having no income. I recently moved to Atlanta and I am the worship leader for an Atlanta-wide ministry called, Church 4 Chicks. I am single, so I have no husband bringing in a second income. I really feel called to be involved in women’s ministry, but with no income I am going to have to get a job. I really am praying that God will provide a way for me to continue in full-time ministry as this is where my heart is. However, in the meantime, I just need a way to pay my bills. Finding a job is extremely difficult right now, and to be honest, I am pretty anxious about the whole thing. Please pray for God’s direction and provision. I will be praying for all of you as well!
God bless,
Jenifer Smith
Atlanta, GA
Worship Leader for Church 4 Chicks
http://www.church4chicks.com
I am always amazed at God’s perfect timing although it should not surprise us! For such a time as this that God laid it in your heart, Beth, to start us memorizing Scripture so we can all have us a “Jesus year” in “such a time as this”. It will surely draw us closer to Him and give us a spiritual security in our lives to know that He will take care of us. As you reminded us, there is not a prayer he doesn’t answer of His children..in His way, the best way.
That is one solid that those struggling can surely rely on and count on in these times.So in our worst of times let us all fix our eyes on Him and continue to hold each other up in love, support and prayer. What an awesome way to do that in this wonderful Siestaville that has been provided for us…”in such a time as this”.
I would so greatly appreciate your prayers. My DH just called me to say that he received another pay cut. It is the third in the last year. He works in the family business and sales have been very slow. Everyone took a pay cut so this is affecting our extended family as well.
My DH asked me to think about getting a part time job because this pay cut puts us below our budget. Mind you that is a budget of only the absolute bare necessities. I have been a stay at home mom for 15 years. I am so scared of working outside the house. I am 150 lbs overweight and my self esteem is very low. (its why I gained the weight) I have trust issues with men from being stalked for three years. I am a mess.
I don’t want to let my family down. I want to be an example to my children. I want to be the help my husband needs right now. My DH knows where I am mentally and he does not want to force me into a job…it just seems it might be the only answer. He is a better man than I deserve.
I am so very scared of working outside the home. I know that my Jesus can do mighty things with this mess that I am…I just don’t know what to do.
Sorry to be so long. I thank you for your prayers.
K
I know I am late. I have been without a computer. I would love it if you could lift up my kiddos as we make a huge transition. My husband has received 2 cuts in pay in the past 6 mmonths, which is forcing me to go back to work. I am blessed to have found a job but deeply saddened that I will be having to leave my children(2 1/2 & 7 months) in the care of another. Please also pray that we can find a way to pay our bills until my new job starts.
You are a blessing.
I definitely feel the crunch more now than ever and desperately seeking the Lord for guidance & wisdom. I am leading the Esther study and pray that God reveals my destiny. I sense it may be different from before entirely new territory. As a small business owner for 11yrs I have weathered many financial storms expanding & retracting staff, keeping expenses & overhead low etc. My line of business is Executive Search & Consulting in this market the unemployment high and yet demand for staff is low.
My passion and heart is for women & ministry. God has been faithful throughout my life and will continue.
In Christ Alone,
Maddy in California
It may not be earth shattering, but my husband and I are basically supporting my parents (they live in a house we are paying for) and my feckless brother and his wife (because my mom lets them live in her house). Martin and I pay for all the groceries so my mom can cook for all of us and she takes care of our baby during the day. It’s complicated. It’s a blessing and a curse to be this connected to family. We are okay right now, but I am terrified of what is to come for us and our four month old daughter if things don’t turn around. Two full time paying jobs supporting 6 adults and one baby.
I just pray that God blesses us for taking care of them, because there is no human version of math that is going to be able to work this out, it’s going to take some serious Heavenly math.
btw, my 4 month old has been attending your Daniel study since the week she was born (we do a session every other week). just thought you’d like that.
Thanks for praying Beth and I know you will- my husband was the lead pastor of a nice size church up to about 3 years ago when we left we began a church ,working under a planting pastor – well with the current economy the lead pastor informed us two weeks before Christmas that the church would not be able to pay him anymore- it was a small amount as we both got jobs during this time knowing that planting was not gonna get ua rich:) well with out that second income we are not able to stay in our house and have 4 boys – 1 a jr in high school, not to anxious to move- anyway we are still working with the church plant but know we need to do something about the current financial situation, just not sure what to do? hope that makes sense!
I read this post, and prayed over some of our sweet sisters praising God for the fact that I had a great job and was taken care of. My boss then came by my desk and informed me that I was being laid off effective immediately. I am scared to death and totally shocked. I know that God will use this to make his name great if I will get out of the way and let him. Please pray that God would keep me faithful and lead me quickly to the place that he has for me.
I appreciate so much any prayers from the siestas. I know that God’s girls praying is a powerful thing!
Thank you so much, and Praise God for what he’s going to do!
Amy
Dallas, TX
Unfortunately, Circuit City has decided to close, leaving 34,000 associates nationwide without a job. Please continue to pray for these folks. Thanks so much for all you do!!
Having 5 children ages 12-4 and following God’s calling to homeschool instead of work has been a struggle financially. God has blessed us for being obedient. Watching my husband work 2 jobs to provide and being laid off one of the jobs has been so hard. Now this week my grandpa passed away and my husband will have to take days off – I feel awful knowing how that will affect his paycheck. I feel awful. Sometimes I don’t think we should have to make the choices we are being forced to make in this day and time!
Amy
Thank you for asking to pray for us. My husband was laid off on Tuesday after only 3 months. He is our primary provider as I work only parttime in our church so we can homeschool our children. This is our third layoff since our oldest son was born 7 1/2 years ago. Please pray for us. . . that God would provide and reveal himself to us in amazing ways, that He would quickly open up new doors, that we would be obedient to His will for our lives and that He would be glorified in the whole situation. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Tina
Rock Hill, SC
i believe many of us in these financially diffficult situations find ourselves facing feelings of failure, and with those feelings come doubt and discouragement. My husband is a self employed masonry contractor and we felt the “boom” before a lot of people–most likely because he is often one of the first on a job– so while everyone in construction was still busy finishing that last house…he had no new one to start on. God in his mercy has shown us many areas where we did fail…to be better stewards. to be more giving, and more grateful in our giving, more humble and gracious for me, the thought never occurred to consider the feelings of those on the recieving end, i figured they were just thankful—not that this might be humiliating for them. it has been HARD these last two years, but it has been GOOD!!! just continue to pray that each of us as servants of the MOST HIGH will not miss the opportunity in these times to let God have total access into all of our being!! He is precise, intentional, firm, and merciful!! And He is our provider.
I started reading blog entries and felt such overwhelming love and compassion for all who wrote and shared stories of insecurity. It’s tough being a woman but the journey alongside each other provides such encouragement and love for you all just spills from my heart. I kept reading previous posts and wow- Beth’s concern about those of us in financial situations. That is me – and I refuse to live in fear (John 10:10) as He promised me life in abundance. I rest in knowing that you are joining me in prayer as I will also be praying for all of you who posted this same request. Love to all in Christ, our Father, Protector, Refuge and Strength.
It is crazy reading other people’s comments.. somewhat encouraging to realize so many of us are sharing in this, and also that we STILL have so much to be grateful for. My husband and I are newly married and he has lost two jobs in the past year due to economic difficulties. I was also having my hours cut at my job so we were no longer able to pay our rent.. we just moved back home from CO to NC to live with our parents for a little bit while we try to recover financially but it is discouraging and hard to try and “start out” with these kind of circumstances. Hard to not feel a bit hopeless. But we are thus reminded that our times are in the Lord’s hands, and this life is not about our comfort but about glorifying the Lord and living to know and adore Him amidst our circumstances, whatever they might be. may He who calls us to this difficult task strengthen and enable us to be faithful in it! glory to Him..
I don’t know if anyone is still reading these but it’s worth asking even if one person joins us to pray that we find our God in the midst of our need. Like most people, we’ve lost 30% of what we had. We went back into the ministry with a lower pay and can’t make ends meet. Our outgo is more than our intake. I’m teaching for $65 per day to help a little. And it’s a little. Can’t find a better job. We’ve never been this financially strapped where we’ve had to just focus on buying food and gas and paying bills. Can’t sell out house w/o repairs; can’t even rent it out. Pray we find God in the midst and find our rest in Him. Cease striving.
Thank you for praying! I am excited to have just started the Esther study last week!!! My husband was layed off 19 months ago. We had moved from CO to NC for this job… which he had been in only 16 months when they let him go. Meanwhile, it took 14 months for the CO house to sell, and we had to take $30k to closing when it did (CO was at the front-end of this mortgage crisis!). God was faithful to provide the funds for that! In the last year and a half, my husband has tried working from home, and we have cleaned out all of our retirement accounts. In August, he started working a temp job. We went from six figures to $17 an hour! Up until a couple months ago, the Lord enabled us to stay current on our bills. But now we have had to reduce what we send to our creditors, far below the minimum payments. I know the Lord is working, that some needed pruning needs to take place, and I praise him that our family has grown closer to Him and each other through the process. I feel for all those in financial need. For us, it feels like it has been going on for a long time, and frankly, I am tired. Amazingly, though, the creditors who call have been very sweet. Thank you for praying.
Just wanted to let you all know that I am praying for you. Some, I’m able to leave a prayer on their blog or through their email. If you are anonymous or no contact info, just know that I am praying for you, too!
Praying for you today!
Father in heaven, You have asked us to cast all our cares upon You, for You careth for us. I lay this family’s burden at Your Precious feet and ask You to provide their need. Lord, when the whole world turns their back on You and has no need of You, we cry out “We NEED You, LORD!” Hear our cry. Please strengthen our faith as the dross in our lives is sifted away. We hold open hands to You, Lord, asking for You to fill us with our need. In Jesus Name. Amen.
I would love for you to keep my husband and I in your prayers. We both have always worked in the real estate market, he is a laborer for a building contractor and I’ve always worked in the title insurance industry. I lost my job 2 months ago and have been looking for something new but there isn’t much available in our area. Our mortgage is on an adjustable rate and in October went up almost 3% with our next adjustment to be evaluated in March. We’ve been trying to refinance to get out of the mortgage we have but lost value in our home in the last 2 years, due to the real estate market, and in the middle of our transaction my getting laid off so now we only have one income. We’ve been trying to re-build our credit after having some serious issues several years ago due to my husband being unemployed for 8 months. We’re trying to be smarter this time around in how we handle our finances but are still fearful, just the same.
I know so many who are directly affected by the economic crunch and several others who are fearful for the possibility of job losses. After reading so many of the other ladies comments, my heart goes out to them and their troubles as well.
Thank you for your dedication. You are well cherished.
Desiree in North Idaho
I am a little late in reading and commenting on this post, but we could really use prayer. Since we have moved to Florida 7 mths ago we have been unable to sell our house in Georgia. We have rented it but for only part of the mortgage. Paying that mortgage and rent here has really hurt us. When I have had to work, it has always been out of our home or where my children went to school. I am trying to find a job because we are struggling so bad! My 11 yr old daughter is having a hard time because I have always been there for her and now I may not be there when she comes home from school. It just tears my heart out. I pray we would get out of this financial mess soon!!
Dear Siestas, I would like to share my story and offer what has been working for us. My husband was working a contract job for the last 3 years and after August 2008 his contract was not renewed. He has been freelancing just picking up work here and there. I do not work, I have been homeschooling our two boys for the past 6 years. We were 3 months behind on our mortgage and feared foreclosure last December. The LORD led me to Exodus 33:18-19. And he said, “Please show me your glory.” Then He said, ” I will make all MY goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”
I wrote down our financial need on an index card and placed it in my Bible at Exodus 33. Please show me Your glory! I went back to the index card near the end of the month and realized not only did God meet our need for that month but He exceeded it! Glory!!! I showed my husband the index card and pointed out to him how our need was exceeded. Now he is putting his own index card in his Bible at Exodus 33 along with, Please, show me YOUR glory. Our needs have been exceeded over and over. Our Sunday School class took up a secret collection for us and collected $1600 in December, our church gave us a gift of $1200 from the benevolence fund aslo in December. We received an annonymous Christmas Card in the Lottie Moon card post office set up at our church with another $1000. We were able to get caught up with our mortgage and the bills are getting paid. Glory, Glory, Glory !!! Go ahead, give the index card and Exodus 33:18 a workout. God is so good. We are heirs, we have a wealthy Daddy God.
Blessings are waiting for you!
I have to post a follow up praise to let you know that, after eight months of unemployment and job searching, I was offered a job exactly one week after posting my request here! Praise God! It’s been amazing to watch God’s perfect timing in answered prayer. Thank you all so much for your prayers! Thank you, Beth, for this post! – D. in Texas
Thank you Beth and Siestas for praying!! One week from the day I left a request for prayer on account of my husband being laid off for 3 months he got a new job!! Priase the Lord, God is so good. He hears us ladies, he really does.
Thank you for your concern and prayers. Me: in the job search process, single, early 40’s, own a home, need to support myself. Obviously, many job seekers can get discouraged, especially as more days without a job are marked off the calendar. Although you don’t want others to be going through such frustrations, reading there are people in similar situations helps me from sliding into a pit of self-pity, as if I was somehow the only one needing a job. It is encouraging simply to know that others care and are praying. Three of my biggest struggles: continuing motivation; allowing a little control-freakiness to draw me from my trust in God; and discernment in some areas. What I’m not discerning well is whether to seek only job areas of passion/expertise or just get an income for now.
Many blessings,
Lynnette in Houston
(see you Tuesday night!)
My dearest husband is not a believer, and he has been so unhappy at his job for the last year. I suspect that he may be deliberately making people angry so they will fire him. He is battling a mighty depression.
We took today off (he out of anger and frustration, me to be here supporting him), and his office’s administrative assistant emailed him and told him that his boss wants his resume.
Please, please pray that I will put my trust in my Father God and that I will take whatever happens with grace as a testimony to my husband. God knows our financial needs (and they are substantial), but God also knows that my husband desperately needs Him. What is more important? Money or salvation? Salvation is supremely more valuable!
I am fighting panic and worry, but I know that God loves me. I am so thankful for the Scripture memory challenge. I didn’t know how much I was going to need that.
I don’t know if anyone is still reading this post, but I feel better asking for prayer support.
I am humbled that you would choose to pray for me.
My family is in a serious financial situation. I suffered a serious medical crisis last year, that started in March. I was finally able to return to work in January this year. We have thousands of dollars in medical bills. My situation was critical, I was close to death, and was sent to the Mayo clinic. Mayo is out of network for our insurance. Then add 3 weeks of hotels, food and travel to Minnestoa. I am thankful, God sent me to the very doctor that had seen my rare illness before and was able to get me the treatment I needed. I am now deaf due to the illness, was in a wheelchair, but with physical therapy have regained strenght and able to walk on my own, Praise to our God! God has done so much for us, has healed me, has turned our hearts so much closer to him, I know he will see us through this. We depleted our savings while off work, and we are at the point where we don’t know how we will ever even begin to pay all the bills. We have two children, and we are blessed with a loving church family so I don’t feel I can complain, for I am truly blessed by God. I trust Him that He will make a way.
Thank you from my deepest part of my heart for your prayers.
Tracy C
Warrensburg, IL
“He will never leave me, He will never forsake me. So I say with confidence, the Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid.” Heb 13:5-6