Baby Steps Part 2

(continuation)
2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."

So after you gain knowledge of your fiancial situation then the next step would be to humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness for allowing ourselves to get in excessive debt, even if we didnt mean to. We must repent (To change the mind, or the course of conduct, on account of regret or dissatisfaction.) Debt is not of God. It was never in God's design for His people to have to take out a 30 year loan for a house and have to pay back the loan plus interest. Yes, we may own the house but we paid double the amount of the originally selling price. In today's economy the value of homes are dropping and who knows how long it will take for property values to climb like they once were. But I digress...
Romans 13:8 in the amplified says:
8Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled [obeyed] the Law [relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements].

Contrary to popular beliefs, it is actually a sin to be in debt. Unfortunately, we live in a society that promotes the idea of instant gratification. Instead of educating individuals on how to manage their money and save for an item, our culture says "look, I'll lend you the money to get it now so that you can remain current with the trends." However there is a catch...you will have to pay the lender back the amount you borrow plus an undisclosed amount of interest that will increase if you miss a payment. I call it a debt trap. So what do we do now? We get aggressive. Anytime you're being defeated by something you have to get aggressive otherwise you will continue to be defeated. I know of individuals and couples who got aggressive with their debt and have reached the point to where they are saving more than they are having to pay out to their debtors. In addition to getting more aggressive towards getting out of debt we have to confess and repent for falling into the debt trap and staying there. Once we do this then I believe we will receive grace to get out of debt. You know, debt not not only affects your spiritual life but your physical as well. It affects you spiritually first which then translates in positive or negative physical behavior. This is why God talks about finances and money more than anything in the Bible!

Ok, so do you remember the list that I told you to write in Baby Steps? Well get that out and we're going to do something that is very untraditional. Lay hands on the detailed paper layout of your finances and say this:
"God, thank you for all that you have done for me and for what has been given. God, you said that if I ask anything in the name of your son that you will answer according to your will. I ask that you will give me the grace to manage my finances better and become a better steward of what has been given. It is not your will for me to be in debt. Please give me wisdom, mercy and grace in reference to my finances. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayers according to your Word. Amen"

1st Peter 1:14-17 in the amplified says:
"Live as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel. 15But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 16For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 17And if you call upon Him as your Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, then you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence on the earth, whether long or short."

Continue to ask God daily for help with eliminating your debt. Just know that God is faithful but the real question and test is for you to be faithful to Him. While you are doing this, you are internally building the character of God, which ultimately leads to true happiness and wealth. Wealth is of the heart and mind but when your heart and mind is consumed by debt and things other than the Word of God then it is impossible for you to obtain wealth. Continue to build your history with God and be faithful and watch how he moves. Stay tuned...

Phil 4:20
Other References:
Luke 11:28, Job 36:11, Acts 5:29, 1st John 3:22