A newly-married couple faced financial struggles due to their debt, but they experienced a blessing from God the moment they chose to obey Him.
Life As A Newly-Married Couple
Carmen Woodkirk embarked on her career as a crime scene investigator after completing college. In 2014, she married David, and he decided to leave his job in New York to start their new life together. However, David struggled to find employment in their new location, leading to several months of job search. As a result, the couple found themselves burdened with a significant debt of $50,000, stemming from educational loans, credit cards, and auto payments.
“We were trying to survive. I would say anywhere from two to $600 short every month,” David said.
While Carmen recalled, “I remember all we had in our refrigerator was like ketchup and eggs.”
Carmen took on positions as an adjunct instructor at two different universities, while David resorted to taking various odd jobs. However, despite the additional income, their financial difficulties continued to persist. As a result, David began experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.
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The couple realized that they needed to make a change in their financial situation. David, who had been taught the value of tithing from a young age, suggested that they begin practicing it.
“I was really working off of my own strength, my own knowledge, rather than allowing God to take precedence over every area of my life,” Carmen said.
Newly-Married Couple Struggled To Pay Debt
David shared that they both made a deliberate decision to prioritize tithing before paying their bills. As a result of their obedience, they experienced a shift in their perspective about money, which was a blessing from God.
“I felt that a heavy weight had been lifted upon me. I felt more hopeful,” Carmen said.
Carmen received a 15% raise at her job, and David found stable employment, marking an end to their monthly losses. David secured a position as a construction safety officer, while Carmen successfully obtained her desired role as a DNA analyst. They seized these unexpected opportunities to address their financial obligations.
“We were able to pay off about $35,000 in one year. There’s more money that we get to play with in our budget and we’ve been able to give more,” Carmen said.
The Importance Of Obedience
They firmly believed that tithing and faithfully obeying God transformed their lives. As a result, they have become debt-free, and their income has significantly multiplied over time.
“It was reassurance just knowing that God was always going to take care of us. God is going to reward your obedience and faithfulness,” David said.
“God says “test me in this one area.” Watch Him what He’s going to do in your life and with your tithe and the impact that He’s going to make. I think it’s going to blow your mind,” Carmen concluded
Reference: The 700 Club
Header image: Woodkirk couple interview [The 700 Club]. YouTube, 20 January 2024, https://youtu.be/wR8fO_WZpqs
