Don't be afraid to look your debt square in the eyes
People often sit down in my office and say, “Steve, I need help.”
“How can I help you?”
“I have too much debt.”
“Okay. How much do you have?”
“A lot.”
“Well, who do you owe?”
“Everybody!”
“Yikes! What’s the total number?”
“Everything.”
They can’t tell me any specifics—they just have this haunting gut feeling that they owe too much, and they don’t know what to do about it.
They are too afraid to open their eyes and look at the problem. They just want to hide.
Discovery—figuring out what the numbers are—is one of the biggest obstacles for stewards who are just starting out.
People often get stuck at this step. But if they can push through the overwhelming emotions and come up with approximate numbers, they will be taking their first step to freedom.
“This is my income, and this is how much I owe.”
“I know what I am facing now.”
“This is no longer a ghost number—a haunting feeling. I know exactly what my debt looks like.”
Discovery is a vital first step. And here’s why.
Back in high school, I was on the wrestling team. Two of us would walk out onto the mat, shake hands, and then try to tear each other’s arms off for the next three minutes! It got pretty physical.
In practice we would talk about the importance of being on your toes, not your heels. When you’re on your heels, your opponent can walk up to you and easily knock you over.
But if you’re on your toes, it doesn’t matter when somebody pushes you—you can absorb it. Even when you’re hit multiple times or get shoved, you can absorb it as long as you’re on your toes.
Discovery means looking at the numbers, both the good and the bad: income, assets, debt, and spending. That is one of the best ways we can “be on our toes” and start putting together a defensive budget.
Let’s open our eyes and take a look.
Does the idea of looking at your financial situation turn your stomach?
Do you feel so overwhelmed that you don’t even want to look?
If you know your debt situation is pretty bad, but you have been afraid to look at the numbers—I encourage you to take a deep breath and dare to lean forward onto your toes.
Discovery is worth it, and it will help you realize where you need to go next.
And remember—you aren’t alone as you tackle this thing. You are never alone. The God who owns all the riches of heaven is with you, and He will help you get through this.
Coming Thursday for paid subscribers
Not all fear is a sign of a poverty spirit, but certain kinds can help us identify what’s going on.
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