Circular situation

Today I find myself in a similar financial situation as many Americans: I have a mortgage, I am in debt due to a life changing event (in my case a wedding), I have no savings, my bills seem to be ever increasing and taxes are on the rise now that I am married. I don't really see the situation changing, I can only pray. "How is it that I live paycheck to paycheck", I ask myself? I am sure I am not alone in this predicament and I KNOW I am not at poverty level, not even close! I need to be a better steward of the money I've been given; that is always the case when in the red.

I write about this topic today because I also give a small amount of money to charity, to church and I believe it's not enough. My faith is challenged because I feel called to tithe from my paycheck, but simply can't. I've gotten myself into this awful situation - will God get me out? How can I be obedient to His call to tithe when I'm struggling to stay afloat? Will He be gracious or do I need to learn the lesson to put His kingdom first?

I've been promised in His Word in Proverbs 28:20 "A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." So I interpret this is as if you are faithful with your giving first, then He will bless us. If all you do is try to amass money for yourself, this is sin He sees and will not forget. Can He honor my little gift now even though I've made my share of mistakes and been unfaithful in the past? I know life has its consequences and to miss His blessing may be mine.