prayers please

[Hooked]

Well, I won't bore you with all the details, but I started a new job back in April where I am an independent rep selling a piece of capital equipment.  Really felt the Lord was leading me to it.  

Figure I need to sell 3 a month to pay all our bills and set some aside for taxes.  June and July I sold 2 each month which we were able to squeeze by on with nothing set aside for taxes and using some savings.  

August just sold 1 and between that and the little bit of savings we had left we might have enough to barely get by but falling a little short.  September, despite doing a bunch of demos, I have sold zero.  I actually have until next Monday, October 10th, to sell any and get paid on October 15th.  If I don't sell any that will mean no paycheck this month.

Bank account is already empty.  With mortgage, healthcare bills for Garrett, etc.  I just don't know what we are going to do!

Feeling like the Lord led me to do this, I feel guilty if I start looking for other jobs.  Like I am just not having enough faith.

I know many others have been in similar or worse situations with the current economic times.  

First, I ask for prayers for me and my family.  That we will know his peace and strength and that if it does get alot worse that my kids will not be adversely effected.

Second, Please pray that we make it through this without having to not pay bills.  I believe we owe and we should pay it.

Third, please pray that the Lord will open the doors in the direction he wants us to go.  Not just open but wide open where a slow fool like me can even see!  Also, that he will slam the doors that are the wrong direction!

Thanks,
chip

[BenBow]

Prayers for wisdom and God's provision

[T Lail]

Prayers sent...trust Him, He will provide....

[Doc Nock]

My ongoing biggest challenge as a Believer is to hear that "still small voice". I have so many distractions and my head is one that is seldom quiet, always mulling over some issue or other's delemma's.

I sense, Chip, you could be the same.  

I've spun my wheels for years trying to tough thru those things I "thought" I was led to do for some reason and am facing the end of a work life with zippo.

God is never wrong, but I am! One thought shared with me in a similar lament some time back:"Perhaps you were led, but you've already accomplished what He put you on that trail to do, and it's time to seek His will in other directions..."

That resonated deep with me then...still does. FWIW...I share that.

Prayers for that Peace and for strength, and discernment in all things finance and in finding His new or renewed Path for you in this or other work.  

Time in the desert I've heard is to test our FAITH to see if we're ready for the next BIG thing he has planned that will take greater Faith!

Keep the Son in your eyes!

[Hooked]

Thanks, folks!

It wouldn't be so bad if it was just me or even me and the wife.  But I worry about how it will effect our kids if things get worse!  Might be good for them, but then I worry about how they will see me if I am not providing for them.

Got a few days left to get a sale, otherwise my paycheck in October will be zero.  

Been looking at what we can sell to pay the bills.  But not sure we have enough stuff of value that would even get us by one month.  (anybody want a Bob Lee Signature Recurve with two sets of limbs, 62 and 53 lbs)

He will provide for us, I know!  He always has one way or another when things got tight.  But I feel I should be preparing for the worst in case that is in his plan for us.

I know there are alot of other prayers requests on here where the folks really have more pressing issues!  Some life or death!  All I ask is for a quick prayer for me and my family, that we will be able to put it at his feet and know his peace and strength!

[Doc Nock]

Chip,

The only concern you shared that I'd ask you to re-think is "how will my kids see me".

The rest is real and you're in all our prayers! In this economy, we all might learn from what my Grandparent learned in the depression.

You have shown faith in raising your kids and your Signature Line shows you've brought them up to believe in God's will and Mercy.

They watch every move we make, as you know. Even your pets know when you're stressed...so will your blessed children.

Show them what FAITH really means.

I don't mean to be condescending in the least. You know my heart better, Chip, but let me share what came thru on a Daily Devotional I got today:
********************************
Enjoy prosperity while you can. But when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. That way you will realize that nothing is certain in this life. (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NLT)

You can be a hero one day and a zero the next day, a millionaire one day and bankrupt the next. No matter how much you make, no matter how much you save, finances are uncertain.

So we worry. What does the Bible say about worry and money?

1. It’s unreasonable. (Matthew 6:25) You're going to have fears in life, but there are better things to be scared of than a lack of finances. Life is more than just the accumulation of things. Even if you go bankrupt, it could get worse. Worry about what’s truly important.

2. It’s unnatural. (Matthew 6:26) Jesus reminds us that animals and plants don’t worry. Birds don’t say, "I'd better build a bigger nest for retirement." Only human beings don't trust God to provide for them. Everything else in creation does.

3. It’s unnecessary. (Matthew 6:30) Financial fears come from a misunderstanding about God and what He's promised to do for you. He's assumed responsibility for your needs. He says, "I'm your Heavenly Father; I'm going to take care of your needs. You're my child." We always get into trouble when we doubt the love of God.

Worry is playing God. It's assuming responsibility for something that God has said He will take care of. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:19, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

God knows what's going on in your life — and in your wallet. God knows all your needs even before you ask. He wants to help you out.

*************************

Sharing that, know that you are in my heart and prayers. I too, struggle with fears of the future as retirement looms, lay-offs are there and I've got zippo set aside, but this is all good stuff...God-incident vs. coincidence this came today. I hope you don't mind my sharing.

Peace, brother.

[Barry Rowland]

God bless you and yours brother.  Prayer sent.

[4dogs]

We havnt heard from Chip in a while. I keep his family especially his son Conner on my prayer list and think of them often. I hope they are doing well. Anyone know?

[Doc Nock]

I wonder if as money got tight, he may have given up internet...not like Chip to not keep in touch...sent a note thru here and one to an email I had for Chip...

Lord knows his Situation and has him cradled in his hand

[Doc Nock]

Got a reply... Things got crazy tight for Chip and family, but he weathered it with God's help and is back in sales again...

Doesn't have much time for these message boards, hunting or his wood burning but his Son is doing ok...said the common theme isn't IF his boy will need more surgery, but when...  And they live one day at a time.

Good to know he's ok... just like many, struggling to keep body and soul together.

[4dogs]

Thanks Doc for the update. I appreciate your follow through. Im glad to hear they are doing ok.

[BenBow]

Prayers continue for God's perfect will and the faith to believe Him for it