What could it be?

[fsuwolf]

My wife and I have been faithful in reading and prayer and fasting, we are involved in charities, and help our family when ever needed. For the last five years my wife and I have been struggling, in my business it seems like I am treated like I have leprosy, talking to people who are interested in my service only for them not to return calls or e-mails. My wife has put out over 300 resumes and not one response and I just started with a new firm in March and was excited because we both prayed about this firm and believe it was the right choice. I just found out that if I do not make the production numbers by Nov 31 they are not going to renew my contract. I have exhausted my 401K to pay bills and to help start my business, and everyone keeps telling us to hold on God is going to show up. Well we do not have it in us to hold on any more. Every thing is going from bad to worse, my wife's car broke down it sits in the driveway no money to fix it, my truck needs two tires not going to happen, I had melanoma skin cancer and have not been able to go for my yearly check ups and today my A/C needs repaired.We asked God to forgive us for anything we have or may have done wrong, we continue to read and pray (getting really hard to do) and I am tired of people quoting scriptures to me, empty words mean very little to me. I want to see the word working in my life, not just the promises. We are now applying for jobs out side the state even though we do not want to move. and I have pretty much lost all hope,and just do not care anymore. Never thought I would sink so low. (spare me that other people are going through worse I know and it breaks my heart), I would just like to know why God has turned his back on my wife and I, I can tell you if I had a son going through a very hard time and asked for help I would give it to him with out conditions. I have never turned or denied Christ and my relationship with him, and not matter what happens I will never deny or turn my back. No matter what happens I know Christ died for my sins and I am saved and going to heaven, I just can't figure out whats going on in our lives and know that I really can not take anymore.
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

[FaithfulSheep]

An honest question for you.

Are you telling the Lord what you want, or are you telling Him... Your will be done? What we want is not always in line with what the Lord wants for us. :hug:

[fsuwolf]

Both, We prayed before I started the business as a financial planner, and fasted and prayed for the opportunity to meet clients. We have been the last year praying asking God what he wants us to do.

[wondercoolguy]

I will pray that God brings peace to everything in your life.

The bible says to be cheerful in the good times and the bad. Even if God doesn't show up in your opinion doesn't mean He won't use your situation to his glory at some point. You and your wife could "Lose everything" tomorrow but still have your salvation. God could call you home tomorrow and all things on earth now become meaningless.
I'm 27 years old and I've already gone through three corparate layoffs. I've had to restart my career three times now to establish/proof myself.

This test seems like a test of yalls character keep the faith and continue to glorify Him. Keep in mind God has not turned his back on anyone; if you look to your right He's right there to cast all your cares on. :hug: The great thing about America is your can lose everything one day and get all back the next.

[fsuwolf]

Only if I was 27 again, I have been through three career changes, and my wife and I know God's in control. It is just we have no direction or clue where or when we are going to get through this. I am the type of person that nothing and I mean nothing comes easy. It is always a struggle and fight, that has a detrimental effect on my physical well being. The Lord has brought me through it but not with out battle scars and I just tired. Thanks for the prayers and words of encouragement

[dljc]

Both, We prayed before I started the business as a financial planner, and fasted and prayed for the opportunity to meet clients. We have been the last year praying asking God what he wants us to do.Have you considered that maybe this isn't what He wants you to do? Many times when we run up against a closed door, it's there for a reason. It's because this isn't what He has for us to do. But there is also the possibility that we have not given everything over to Him on the situation, meaning we're still trying to do things "our way", and many times we are banging our head against the wall, right next to the open door. Because we can't see the open door.

Are you completely trusting Him to see you through all of this? Read Matthew 6:25-34 (sub-titled The Cure for Anxiety). Read it and understand what it's saying.

Several years ago I planted some fruit trees (only 4) the first few years the varmints got all the fruit. This angered me and I did what "I" felt should be done to fix the problem. One day I was reading this passage and really considered it verse by verse. I stopped doing things "my way". I let the varmints have all they wanted. God blessed me with an abundant supply of fruit from these 4 trees. There was enough for the varmints and I even had to share with other people because we couldn't eat everything these 4 trees produced!

[fsuwolf]

I know these scriptures all too well, I remember in my late twenties when the Lord told us to pack up and move, and we did. My wife managed to get a transfer and I could not find work. I remember standing on these verses when my electric was turned off and we had not food to eat. I remember going to our church and explaining to them our situation and the associate pastor saying lets just pray that your electric will not be turned off. No offense fruit trees? I know what it is like to do with out and to have and to be content.
God is meeting our basic needs, but I need more; I need God to meet my business needs as well so I can go out and get clients. We know God is taking us to a new level but five years is a long time to struggle and keep your head up. Like I said I do not care anymore, God is going to have to carry us through this. It is just frustrating not knowing, and praying and fasting to find out what and why? Come Nov 31st if I have no clients God does not want me to be a financial planner, but I hope he reveals to me what he wants me to do before years end. Otherwise I will loose everything. And I will have a hard time swallowing that: when God says that he will meet all our needs and if your earthly father who is evil knows how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in heaven.

[dljc]

I know these scriptures all too well, I remember in my late twenties when the Lord told us to pack up and move, and we did. My wife managed to get a transfer and I could not find work. I remember standing on these verses when my electric was turned off and we had not food to eat. I remember going to our church and explaining to them our situation and the associate pastor saying lets just pray that your electric will not be turned off. No offense fruit trees? I know what it is like to do with out and to have and to be content.
God is meeting our basic needs, but I need more; I need God to meet my business needs as well so I can go out and get clients. We know God is taking us to a new level but five years is a long time to struggle and keep your head up. Like I said I do not care anymore, God is going to have to carry us through this. It is just frustrating not knowing, and praying and fasting to find out what and why? Come Nov 31st if I have no clients God does not want me to be a financial planner, but I hope he reveals to me what he wants me to do before years end. Otherwise I will loose everything. And I will have a hard time swallowing that: when God says that he will meet all our needs and if your earthly father who is evil knows how to give good gifts, how much more will your Father in heaven.No offense taken on the fruit trees. But don't overlook the lesson there. Like I said, I was doing things my way. My way was getting rid of the problem, not feeding them.

The other two comments I placed in bold text could be the key. Could that word be changed to "want"? God knows our motives. He knows what drives us. I mean no offense by that question, I'm only asking if it should be considered being changed to that word.

[superwoman8977]

To the OP: I know exactly how you feel. Since June my divorce has become final and he has remarried and here I sit alone with 2 kids to support and a 3rd one on the way. I would like to have someone in my life but apparently God forgot me too. People keep throwing bible verses at me and I am like whatever. Its hard when you have lost everything and the lonlieness is about to get to you like big time. I dont know how many times I have wanted to just end it all no more pain, suffering, I know how you feel and the only thing I can tell you, is what i tell myself...someday somehow it will get better thats all the advice I can offer.

[wondercoolguy]

Only if I was 27 again, I have been through three career changes, and my wife and I know God's in control. It is just we have no direction or clue where or when we are going to get through this. I am the type of person that nothing and I mean nothing comes easy. It is always a struggle and fight, that has a detrimental effect on my physical well being. The Lord has brought me through it but not with out battle scars and I just tired. Thanks for the prayers and words of encouragement

We have a prayer chain e-mail system in our church I e-mail a prayer request to it and it goes to everyone attached to the list. I'll send over one for you, for direction and resolution. *edit* and Superwoman8977

To you and superwoman8977
Keep the Faith, Brother/Sister and w/o sounding like everyone else God loves you. Superwoman8977 God has not forgotten you if you believe in Him then you know he is the begining and the end. He knew the situation you were going to be in before you did. He also knows how the situation will resolve it self to. That should be comforting; right?

[wondercoolguy]

To the OP: I know exactly how you feel. Since June my divorce has become final and he has remarried and here I sit alone with 2 kids to support and a 3rd one on the way. I would like to have someone in my life but apparently God forgot me too. People keep throwing bible verses at me and I am like whatever. Its hard when you have lost everything and the lonlieness is about to get to you like big time. I dont know how many times I have wanted to just end it all no more pain, suffering, I know how you feel and the only thing I can tell you, is what i tell myself...someday somehow it will get better thats all the advice I can offer.

Superwoman8977
Fill that void you speak of with your kids and ask God to fill the rest with his love. I was a single Dad of one so I can only imagine what it will be like with 3. Never forget you have a church family who loves you, ask for their help. If you don't have one then find one. Everything I've said I know is easier said than done. I know some where there is a good christian man looking for a woman with three kids ;)

[fsuwolf]

I know I am now trying to do things God's way, but I really do not know what that is yet. One of my faults is patients. All I do know is I want clients or another direction as far as a job and so does my wife she owned her own business and sold it and just wants to have a 9-5 career. I do know my passion is in the markets, I very good at teaching people how to trade stocks and options as well as finding good companies to invest. Financial planning seemed like a good fit. I also know what ever I am to do, it involves my wife since she has been unable to find a job as well. We are tired and wore out over all this.

Thanks for your input.

[superwoman8977]

To the OP: Be blessed you have a wife and you have your marriage and look at the positive, thats how I get through each day. Reminds me of the Sonny and Cher Song--Babe you got me and I got you....you know that song , hold tight to your marriage ..there are so many nights I miss being married miss talking with an adult....

[fsuwolf]

SuperWomen
I am going to include you in my daily prayers, that for you the Word will be evident in your life so much that you can see it. I know how you feel, your tired of hearing words and want to see the promises of God working for real in your life. I come to realize every day that it is a faith issue, and when you have never had any help from anyone but endured everything on your own, simply turning it over to God and saying okay I let you take control is easier said then done. I guess for me and my wife that is the most frustrating, because we feel that we have turned it over to God, but when something goes wrong and God does not show up johnny on the spot we take action ourselves. I want to tell you how much my wife and I know what your feeling and going through, and your really do not want to hear scriptures, you want the Lord to come tell you himself what he wants you to do or tomorrow things are going to change and you will see my wonderful Love and Power. I hope you have not reached the point that I have were bitterness is trying to take root, I have not let it but on top of everything else this is a new battle for me to have to fend off. I don't know if you have ever read the Final Quest by (I believe) Rick Joyner but it is a great read and let you know the spiritual warfare we are in.

[JesusMySavior]

Peace be with you from our Lord. If there's anything I can do, please PM me. Seriously. Money or anything. I'm low on funds too but we're a family. Just look at how the apostles started. Everything was pooled together.

PM me if you'd like.

In Christ,

JMS

[Sold Out]

I hope you have not reached the point that I have were bitterness is trying to take root,

I think you nailed it on the head here. You are getting bitter because of unfulfilled expectations. That is the root of bitterness.

I have no wonderful words of wisdom, but can only offer my prayers for you and your wife. Like someone else said, sometimes constantly hitting the ceiling is a sign that maybe what you are doing is not God's will. Jobs and finances fall into that 'gray area' spiritually, so we are oftentimes left grasping in the dark. That is where faith comes in, and only faith pleases God. (Heb 11:6)

[fsuwolf]

JesusMySavior,

Sometimes just have some one to listen and give helpful insite and pray is all it takes, I am glad I found this site, everyone has been understanding and refreshing, thanks

[Partaker of Christ]

Ok, I guess I may get shot down, but I have to ask; is 'financial planning' a work that would be glorifying God?

It is a sincere question, and it is a questions asked in love.

Is it not a work that will aid others, to store up treasures on earth.
Is it not a work that will feed the appetites others, who have a love for mammon.

We are told to pray daily, "give us this day our daily bread". So I have to ask, is 'financial planning' a plan for tomorrows bread.

Are these the sort of things that would be taking people further away from God, rather then drawing them closer to God?

[Soulangel]

I'd really like to encourage you to draw closer to God and listen to what He is saying to do next one day at a time, don't go for yesterday or tomorrow, just today. Recently He told us my husband had to leave his full time job and get a part time job to stay home and care for me. My husband was having heart failure, because of course how was he going to get a part time job that fitted in with school hours to do the school run, and so many more things, like supporting our family.

However, when we do exactly what God tells us to do He will provide. The Monday morning came where hubby had to make the call to resign and he did. Next a made a phone call that God told him to to the local high school to see if they had any positions for a manual arts teacher aide position. One had just gone the previous week, however they suggested he ring other local high schools, he did. One of them was looking for a temporary groundsman, so he went for an interview the next day and got the job, on his part time terms!! But now for God's next miracle, because the job was temporary we were going to need another one shortly. Hubby was doing some building work for a friend and the timber yard he bought some supplies from just happened to mention they'd be looking for a part time person soon!! You guessed, he's going to have the job soon!! And God has sorted out the timing perfectly.

Now Superwoman, this man is a man who came to my front door when I was a single mother of three children!!! He was a christian too!! We ended up married eight months later!! So we all serve a Great, Awesome, Amazing God, who is capable of sorting out our employment and our love for us, provided we listen and obey. I encourage you all to draw closer and closer to Him and do everything He says no matter how "silly" you feel at first, because they're the doors that open wide and wider, take courage and step out.

God bless you all ~ Soulangel

[steelerbabe]

fsuwolf - You have my prayers:pray: We have been through a difficult year of losses:cry: I know I have I have asked myself why does God hate me? I took everything that came against us one day at a time. Life seems to be one test after another. I have tried to focus on how nothing can separte us from the love of God. No matter what we go through here on earth, it is nothing compared to the glory to come. Keep the faith.

[fsuwolf]

Partaker of Christ,

If you have ever taken a Crown Financial course you would understand that financial planners play a big role in Christian life. God tells to be debt free (own no man anything) We are to be lenders and not borrowers. There are five F's in our lives and all five require the use of money. They are Faith: it takes money to spread the gospel, to gives tithes and offerings. Family- money allows us to buy a home, pay bills, buy food, schooling. Finances - money allows us to invest for our future, to transfer monies to the other five F'. Fitness - we are to take care of the body. it is a Temple. Gym membership or walking/running shoes and apparel cost money. Friends - being able to go with friends for dinner or to help friends in need requires money. Just imagine if every Christian in America was debt free the effect we could have on the world? I do know where your coming from since most Americans including Christians have used money to increase their material goods (increase their idols) instead of using it for what God intended - to further the Gospel, help family and friends and give to those in need, and lastly missions around the world.

[teddyv]

fsuwolf,

You seem intent on having a private financial planning practice. Have you investigated in joining or being employed by a investment house or bank? Although these days that may be getting a bit dicey in itself.:confused

[Partaker of Christ]

Partaker of Christ,

If you have ever taken a Crown Financial course you would understand that financial planners play a big role in Christian life. God tells to be debt free (own no man anything) We are to be lenders and not borrowers. There are five F's in our lives and all five require the use of money. They are Faith: it takes money to spread the gospel, to gives tithes and offerings. Family- money allows us to buy a home, pay bills, buy food, schooling. Finances - money allows us to invest for our future, to transfer monies to the other five F'. Fitness - we are to take care of the body. it is a Temple. Gym membership or walking/running shoes and apparel cost money. Friends - being able to go with friends for dinner or to help friends in need requires money. Just imagine if every Christian in America was debt free the effect we could have on the world? I do know where your coming from since most Americans including Christians have used money to increase their material goods (increase their idols) instead of using it for what God intended - to further the Gospel, help family and friends and give to those in need, and lastly missions around the world.

I am from the UK.
Many years ago I use to work as a 'Financial Adviser', Corporate and Private Tax and Pensions, Savings and Insurance. I worked my way up to supervisor level.

Things went well for a while, but eventually it all turned into a nightmare. I was on a commission only pay.

I won't go into detail, but because of my stubbornness and ignoring all warnings, I ended up nearly loosing all. My wife and children, my home. I was in danger of have my electricity and gas cut off. I fell behind on all payments. I was given county court judgments against me.

It was only when my wife in desparation said, that she would have to leave me, and go on state benefits so that she could feed the children, that I came to my senses. It took many years to repair the damage that I had done.

I don't know if it was just me, that God did not want in this field of work, or that it is for all His children. After many years in the Lord, I believe that it is the later (all His children)

[SFASH]

Don't know if it helps fsuwolf, but being slightly:rolleyes: older than you, I can look back and realize that the Lord had better plans for me than I could imagine for myself though I was so determined to make it in my chosen field.

Until I could trust Him with my life direction enough to let it all go, I could not escape my frustration. And I've learned since then that the future may hold problems that dwarf my present situation, in other words, it can get much worse.

So its not the situation as much as it is my response in light of faith. And more than once the Lord has anwered my prayer (after a wait) in an abundance I did not expect.

I'm going to pray for you on this matter, especially that your needs are met.

[fsuwolf]

Sfash,

Your are correct, to many time I have stood to close to the picture, and focused on one spot. I have always had to do things on my own. Know one has ever helped my wife and I and we both know that a good many times God's hand was in it, though we could not see it at that time. I just a very competitive person and failure is a hard pill for me to swallow, I have never quit anything I have started, but always believed if you push through you will succeed. I have given up an turned it over to God, ,but it is hard to wait and see what direction God wants us to go. At this point I do not have a choice.

[harleyma64]

My story is too long to share right now, but trust me, my husband and I have been through alot in the 20 years we've been married. All financial. We are at another one of those points in our life that we've been through sooo many times before. But you know, God has grown me through all of the things we've been through- and I know I have so much more to grow. Through this current situation I see Him growing my husband (which has been my prayer for years) in incredible ways. And I have so much peace about it- because I know my God, who He is and I lean on him and trust in Him. May I suggest go to Him everyday with the sincerity of wanting Him to change you, mold you, shape you, use you and let Him do it! This life is temporal - hang in there, it will get better and so will you.
Also, maybe put a sheet of paper on your frig, title it "count your blessings" and list each and every blessing, thanking Him for every one , every day, top of the list . . . He woke you up this morning-you have 1 more day of life to be used by Him for His glory . . . you have clothes on your back . . . a roof over your head
this might help you to focus on His blessings and maybe change your perspectives on things in life.


Harleyma64