“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” - Romans 6:6

Being born again in Christ changes a person. We’re given a new nature that fights against our old, corrupt nature. Sometimes, the evidence of this is in the area of finances. Straight ahead—a journey to faithful stewardship.

Bobby’s Testimony

It's always a great privilege to connect with people, answer their financial questions, and offer help whenever possible. Recently, we spoke with Bobby from Nebraska, whose story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and determination.

Bobby was in a tough spot. He had accumulated significant debt, including a car repossession, delinquent medical and credit card debt, and unpaid overdraft loans sent to collections. However, despite his financial struggles, Bobby was determined to turn his life around. When asked if anything had changed in his life since accumulating that debt, Bobby shared his story.

In his own words, Bobby explained, “Back then, I was big into partying and addicted to drugs. I sold drugs and went to prison for it. Well, now I'm clean and sober. I don't do any of that anymore. I actually have money in my bank account. September 10th, 2021, was the biggest start of it. That’s when I gave my life to Jesus Christ. And now I'm just trying to get everything back in line and where it needs to be.”

Hearing about Bobby’s life change since inviting Christ into his life as his Savior was truly inspiring. His commitment to sobriety and financial stewardship is a powerful example of God’s redemptive power.

Steps Toward Financial Freedom

A few weeks ago, we advised Bobby to take several steps to get his finances in order. First, we recommended that he pull copies of his credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to identify all his debts. Then, we suggested he contact Christian Credit Counselors to help manage his credit card debt through a debt management plan, which would consolidate his payments and help him pay off his debt faster.

We also offered to connect Bobby with one of our Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFC) at no charge. This counselor would work with him one-on-one to develop a budget and create a plan for paying off his old debts. Finally, we took a moment to pray with Bobby, thanking God for His miraculous intervention and the gift of eternal life that Bobby had received.

Biblical Principles Guiding Bobby's Transformation

Bobby’s journey highlights several biblical principles that are now guiding his life:

• The Body as a Temple: Bobby’s decision to give up drugs aligns with 1 Corinthians 6:19, which reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Recognizing that we are not our own but belong to God is a powerful motivator for making healthy choices.
   
• Humility: Bobby’s willingness to seek help, even on a public platform, reflects the humility described in Proverbs 22:4: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”
   
• Honesty: Bobby’s commitment to owning up to his debt is a reflection of the biblical principle of honesty. Exodus 20:16 and Colossians 3:9 teach us the importance of living truthfully, especially as followers of Christ.
   
• Repaying Debts: The Bible emphasizes the importance of repaying our debts. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” Bobby’s desire to pay off his debt is a step toward fulfilling this principle.
   
• Stewardship: The most significant principle guiding Bobby now is stewardship. He wants to manage his finances faithfully, in line with 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

We were grateful to help Bobby on his journey to faithful stewardship, and we want to extend that same help to you. If you’re struggling with your finances, need help creating a budget, or want to develop a plan to pay down debt and start saving, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you take the next step toward financial freedom and faithful stewardship.

Bobby’s story is a powerful reminder that with God’s help, it’s never too late to turn your life around and get back on track. If you’re ready to take that step, we’re here to walk alongside you.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I'm a 60-year-old single retiree, and honestly, I feel financially illiterate. I have two annuity accounts, but I don’t fully understand how they work. Should I stay in them or look at other options? I’d appreciate some guidance on how to manage my limited savings wisely.
• I'm single and trying to plan ahead to create passive income for my future family. I'm debating between buying a rental property and investing in the stock market. Which of these would be the smarter long-term move?
• My husband and I are retired and considering a reverse mortgage. What’s the best way to approach this, and is there a type of reverse mortgage that will ensure we can stay in our home?
• I loaned money to my cousin, and they repaid me with an extra $300 in interest. Do I need to report that interest as taxable income on my tax return?
• Can you explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA? Additionally, can someone who is not employed by a company open a 401(k) account?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Movement Mortgage
• Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan J. Accola
• Christian Credit Counselors
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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