Financial challenges can come in two ways – those that you get yourself into (e.g., borrowing, over-spending, agreeing to be others’ guarantors, or poor/impulsive decision-making) and those that you have no control over (e.g., loss of job due to company closure/restructuring, sudden turn of health, urgent family needs). While going through financial challenges is tough and may bring you to your wit’s end, I want to assure you that it is not the end of the world. God is a God who loves you very much and He will see you through. It may be tempting to find a ‘quick fix.’ However, do not make rash decisions such as turning to loan sharks, borrowing against your credit card, asking friends/family members to ‘bail you out’ (if you are in the habit of doing so) or, worse yet, physically harming yourself. These actions will only make things worse for you and your loved ones.
The first thing you can do is share your financial situation with people you trust: your spouse, loved ones, or close friends. If that is not possible, talk to your leader or pastor. They can pray for you as well as guide you through what you can do, including taking stock of your finances, assisting in budgeting, and pointing you to various channels of help available from church and government/social service agencies such as Care Community Services Society.
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FACING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES
Be willing to come up with next steps to see this through. Yes, you have to face the consequences, the debts will still need to be settled, but there is always a way out.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” says Philippians 4:19. Claim this verse because God’s promise is true.
Pastor Edward Lim
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Scan here to read how God restored Ken and Aileen’s finances.
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“In 1997, many people in Singapore were hit by the Asian financial crisis. We, too, were not spared and suffered massive losses. It was a very difficult and painful time for us. As our businesses failed, we felt like failures and were disappointed with ourselves.”
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