Bill Paying Time

I have very clear memories of my Dad paying bills. We generally knew it was time to the clear the room. "Where is your receipt?" "How many lessons did Bethany have this month?" "Why are we spending this much on . . . (fill in the blank)?" He was trying to make ends meet, and we were the ones who made the ends short. Cue exit . . .

When Jeff and I were engaged we went through pre-marital counseling. Our counselor asked us who would handle the finances, and we both pointed at each other. He assumed I would handle the finances because his mom did it, and I assumed he would do it because my Dad handled our finances.

We were off to a great start!

Now as an adult I sit down to pay my own bills (you can see who won that debate) and I find myself experiencing those same emotions. I often wonder how did I survive on several hundred dollars in college, but now I have a mortgage, insurance, student loans and it is thousands, not hundreds of dollars that are required to cover all of the expenses. I am sure you have experienced the same emotions.

Jeff is the faith person in our house, he is always telling me not to worry, "Just trust God Bethany! How many times do I have to tell you?" I am learning, trust me, I am. I think the trick is to trust Him at the same level whether you are in a season of plenty or a season of lack. It is the same God, with the same resources, and he ALWAYS provides!

What emotions do you experience when you sit down to pay bills? Faith? Or Panic?

I have felt both emotions. When our business slows down or maybe there was an extra bill that month that was unexpected, I have had to train myself to move quickly from panic to faith. I have had to teach myself to go back to prayer and just talk with God about everything. Then I have to leave it in his hands and then walk away in faith until the provision comes.

So as you go through your finances this month, remember, to take each item to the Lord, whether it is a season of plenty or lack, because He is still the one who provided all that you needed.