Like a monster that has awakened a child from slumber, your debt is tearing your family apart! How long before we realize that our debt not only affects our future but, also the future of our children? In this, we are not speaking of an inheritance. I'm talking about fear that lives deep within us and keeps us gently holding the hand of false security. I have a friend that mentioned the debt of her parents kept her family from being able to answer the phone. The bill collectors would call and harass her parents to the point that the fear captured their family and held it hostage. The worry carried as a burden on her when she was a child was unbearable. Now, as an adult, she works as much as possible to get out of debt.
I remember sitting at work with another friend as she glanced at the unceasing efforts of bill collectors to reach her. The fear of admitting that she had nothing weighed so heavily on her heart, that she couldn't bear to talk to the people on the other end of the line. These collectors are taught to push your buttons, play on your emotions, and get you to agree to anything that will get them their money. I get calls all the time from collectors looking for a man that has the same first and last name as my husband. They are relentless and don't always believe that they have the wrong number.
There are two specific feelings I have about this type of situation. First, I'm saddened by the fear we hold so tightly to ourselves. For whatever reason, we refuse to let that fear go and lay on God's shoulders. I counted 63 times from one of my concordances that God says to his people, "FEAR NOT!". This phrase is followed by reminders that our Lord is always with us. Next time your phone rings and you think it may be a bill collector, FEAR NOT, and tell them that God is with you. If they want to speak to you they must be respectful or you will hang up. If they become rude or raise their voice, HANG UP!!! Tell them you are working on a plan and will try to pay them what you can, when you can. Tell them you are aware of your debt and intend to pay your debtors as God has instructed you to do so. However, you are not afraid of them or anyone else. Your life will not end if you tell them you don't have the money. They can't jump through the phone and get you. They won't jump out of your closet when you are sleeping.
My second feeling on this is, to be perfectly honest; it's their job to call you out on being late on your payments! Stop acting like a child and face the consequences. Make an arrangement you can live with. Even if it is not what they want, tell them what you can give them this month. Tell them that they may call you back in three weeks to find out how much they will receive for the next month. Tell them that if they call you more than that, it is harassment and you will not accept the call. Remember, you made the bed. Now sit up, straighten up your covers, grab your bible, and ask God to help you write a plan. Don't just give up, that's the fear that Satan lives for!
Don't let fear run your life, your children's lives, your spouses' life, or your parents' lives. We are only here on this earth for a short time. God has control! FEAR NOT!
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