Living By Faith

[mimififi]

I have been offered a lifestyle situation which necessitates living outside of our means in some respects. The situation is in relation to a work in my church and would require a large element of 'living by faith'. My husband will remain working, but we would have to rely on 'faith living' to make up the shortfall.

Has anyone any experience on living this lifestyle and what would be their encouragement and advice to me?

many thanks darlings.
mimi

[SaxyJag]

A very good christian friend of mine was expected to live like this. He's a sound engineer and at the time did a lot of work for some sort of modern church that specialised in singing and performance. They man who 'ran' this church claimed to live by faith, in that he had faith in the lord to provide him with what he needed. Considering the man had no paid work, the lord provided him with quite a lot - new car, nice house, decent meals, nice hotel rooms whenever they stayed away etc etc.

My friend, a single man, gave his time freely as and when he wasn't earning a conventional living - which he needed in order to pay his bills and run his house. However, this church man was expecting him to do more and more without payment. Then my husband took a phone message for my friend. It was this man wanting him to do a job, and my husband told him, truthfully, that friend wouldn't be able to do it as he knew he'd be working for us on that date and couldn't be expected to give up a paid job (it's not the sort of industry that gives a salaried job). The man said he didn't see why, because he relied on the lord and he always survived.

Anyways, my friend slowly began to see where this church man was trying to lead him, especially when he suggested that friend sell his house because he hardly spent any time there, and donate some of the proceeds to the church.

All I'm saying is, be careful and make sure you know exactly what's expected of you before you leap. No realistic church will ask you to risk your own stability of life for it. If they do, then I question their motives.

[mimififi]

Thanks again SaxyJag. Sound advice.

I am trying to think very carefully as the offer is one which I have felt called to for many years just never done anything about.

The situation has been complicated by many factors all of which appear coninicidental except for the fact that they have occured all at once and in perfect succession.

I am feeling a little lost.

[Lonnie]

My uncle, got into a sect in the Midlands, where the chap running it 'lived on faith', in reality, it was donations from the congregation, uncle sold his house and gave the proceeds to this church, which then left him high and dry, the family had to bail him out, so i'd be very careful.

They may not all be like that, but-----------------

[mimififi]

Thanks Lonnie, I appreciate your input too. I am not going to run into anything as I am afraid of the worst.

I just wondered if there were any stories of people taking the plunge, following their dreams no matter what and them being rewarded for their obedience.

I don't think there are going to be many positive answers are there.

:-(

[SaxyJag]

mimifif, I think it's all going to depend on what sort of church this is and what sort of work you're going to be doing.

Have you thought about talking it through with a third party, maybe a minister, priest or nun - someone independent of your situation? You may be able to get a more objective viewpoint this way. I'm not religious, or even christian, but such people tend to be quite open in these matters.

[mimififi]

Yes, saxyjag. It would be very worth it really. The church is a traditional baptist type church and I have known them these last ten years. The church is solely run by faith: The minister there has a full time day job and has never taken a salary of any type. the treasurer offers the books for public perusal on demand if one would want.

I guess, i am just fishing for an answer to the ultimate question; Should i do it? But I know I am not going to find the answer here. I guess, it is just all more food for thought!

Thank you so much for taking the time for me. I really appreciate it.

:-)

[Clanad]

Came to your question late mimi... Proverbs 3:5-6. Keep in mind that, as a child of the King, He will bless whatever you set your hand to... Ephesians 6:7-8...

[mimififi]

Thanks Clanad: You are such a comfort.

I shall wait on him and remain willing and wait to see what happens.

Thanks again, you are a sweetie.