My husband recently took a HUGE pay cut. I mean a 20% pay cut. We were already on a tight budget and this is making a VERY large dent. As I come to grips with our new income level a couple of things are happening. First, I have had it on my heart for a while now that we need to be giving the full 10% tithe. We have never done this. It isn’t because I don’t believe it’s important. It isn’t because we’d rather not give so much money. It isn’t because we want “stuff”. It is truly because before the tithe became important to us we racked up our monthly bills too high to afford it. Add to that the rising cost of gas and food and 2 extra people to take care of, and well…… So, I’ve been in prayer OFTEN about how to do the 10%. Lord, I want to give you the full 10%, but I wrestle with how to make it happen without not paying something else. And, I’m pretty sure God wants us to fulfill our obligations too.
So, when we found out we were going to take a 20% cut after the initial shock and fear wore off I heard from God. He said, “Semalee, you’re going to learn to live on 80% percent of your income one way or another. I know what’s best for you, and I will take care of you, but you need to trust me.”
He He He He….. God is so funny sometimes 
So, here we are. I’m not going to tell you it’s going great. But, we’ve committed to continuing with our pledge amount for the church no matter what. We’re starting there. And, we’re learning how to live on this amount, and working on adjusting our budget. We’re looking at what things we can cut, and hoping that, through this process when my husband’s income is restored we can remain at this amount and sent 10% to tithe and 10% to savings as it should be. What’s been cool, is so far we’re squeaking by. I have a friend who is a nurse and she needed someone to watch her kids 3 days a week, and so that gives us a little extra cash that isn’t in the budget. Michael’s been picking up extra jobs and we’re making it so far. We have a plan to pay off our debt, but it involves our tax return, so we have to make it to next year where we’re at.
So, I’m thankful for God’s provision, and for God’s grace
We have recently been receiving less money also due to some health issues. Let me just encourage you by saying that I PROMISE PROMISE PROMISE you that if you will return to God what is His (the full 10% tithe), He will provide you with all you need! I am speaking from experience here. Always, in all areas (including finances), if you put Him first, you will be provided for!
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