Are you a christian who has prayed to God for payment on past due debt with success? Is this inappropriate?

Question

I've accrued debt due to the fact that I had medical problems, and was unable to maintain minimum payments with a creditor. As a christian, paying off the debt is important to me, versus filing for bankruptcy. If you were in this situation, how did things turn out for you after prayer? What testimonies of debt relief do any of you have who had large debt into the thousands? Thanks

I suppose I'm just looking for uplifting stories to compliment my faith in God's supernatural power to overcome all obstacles. The debt was accrued before I was saved, and I made a lot of irresponsible decisions to get me through hard times when I had no other support. If I knew then what I know now, I would have depending on God for my needs, rather than getting behind on payments.

Again, I'm looking for experiences others have had through the power of prayer. If you can not relate to this, please refrain from adding less than positive or supportive messages. Of course I know that God helps those who help themselves. Again, I'm just looking to read positive testimonies.

Also, the debt is beyond the credit counseling point. I did try that a few years ago, but the monthly payment for all my debtors was more than I could afford, so I stopped payment.

Answer 1

(1) Seek advice from Dave Ramsey who went through bankruptcy and recovery himself and became a successful mentor in overcoming huge credit debts. He gives out books on "Financial Peace" and hosts a talk show that has helped many many people escape the trap of credit card debt. Please contact him, as he may send you a book for free if you are in real need. He is openly Christian and could probably answer all your questions from his extensive experience and knowledge, in a way that you can understand and appreciate without fear.

(2) You could still voluntarily pay back creditors if you want to whether or not you file bankruptcy. But bankruptcy has its pitfalls and problems, so I caution against it. Can you seek counseling help from Credit Counseling Services (nonprofit).

With help, you can still forge a payment plan that you can follow.

(3) As for prayer, what I advise is to pray for preparing your heart and mind to receive wisdom and help to create a solution in keeping with God's will, whatever the plan or purpose is. It may help to totally forgive and let go of your past fears, perceptions, memories, anxieties, and helplessness, and agree to take on full responsibility for whatever it takes to resolve the debts. When you make the commitment yourself, and ask for God's help for strength and wisdom to follow through, God will help you and will send whatever resources or guides you need to take the right steps.

God bless you because you are doing the right thing in asking and seeking guidance. You will be greatly blessed.

Please contact, email or call DAVE RAMSEY. For prayer support, please contact one of two healing ministries I know are very efffective, including helping with medical conditions:
Olivia Reiner whose hotline # is posted at
http://www.houstonprogressive.org/nothanku.html
Francis and Judith MacNutt whose website is
http://www.christianhealingmin.org

Peace and God's blessings are yours.

Answer 2

Before I returned to the Lord 2 years ago, and newly separated from my husband, I was in massive credit card debt (over $17,000). I would sit up every night with my calculator, adding up figures, shifting things around, loosing sleep.

But, I came back to God through attending DivorceCARE. Then, I joined the Church that was sponsoring the program. Although the Church didn't insist -- or even request -- that I tithe 10% of my earnings, I researched it on my own, asking other believers questions.

Through much worry, and pondering, I began to tithe. It was hard for me to part with that first check, believe me.

But, you know what happened? For the first time, I was able to sleep, not worrying about my finances. God directed me to a new class starting up, called Crown Financial, teaching us how to handle our finances God's way.

Although I still have debt, I began a financial plan, with tithing 10% first, and then using the percentage system to handle the rest. It was a Godsend!

Why tithe? It shows God that you trust in Him to take care of you. Everything you earn is God's to begin with, and once you realize that, you accept every penny as a gift from Him, and you ask Him to guide you to handle it properly.

And, one way God has blessed me with my faithfulness, is our Church wanted to send a missionary team to India last October. I was selected. It was for two weeks. The Church and Church members donated all the funds I needed. We even stopped in London for two days, and I got to see things I'd never seen. It didn't cost me a dime.

Check out the website. Google Crown Financial. I think it is www.crown.org, but I am not sure. It will give you guidelines, using the percentage system, and you will be amazed, that if you are faithful, giving it all to God, you will have mini miracles happening every month, helping you make ends meet.

Answer 3

In fact sometimes we all go through hard times and we usually give up on God and try to fix things on our own thats when we get in over our heads. Im going through a situation right now and i gave it to God because i didnt have enough faith and got myself deeper in trouble. God can see you through anything! God Bless!

Oh yea when you file chapter 13 you do pay them off chapter 7 you dont so maybe thats something to think about.

Answer 4

Maybe you would benefit from a debt consolidation. This lowers your monthly payment and interest rate. Search the internet for "debt consolidation" to find out more. I know a few people who have did this and it worked for them.

Answer 5

You can pray all you want - doesn't mean anything's going to happen.

Best of luck with your money troubles.