Stimulus Checks
by Anthony DeArcos
Director of Finance
Twice in my life I lost my job due to a bad economy and budget cuts. The first time led to my being unemployed for thirteen months. I experienced a wide range of emotions—some of which I did not think I had in me—as I was met with rejection when applying for new jobs, or when I had to humble myself to ask for help. Even my relationship with the Lord was inconsistent as I would lash out at Him with pent up anger or convince myself I was not good enough for my prayers to be heard.
Time has given me the benefit of perspective. I did not remain stuck. My unemployment ended after thirteen months, when I was hired for a miserable job that got me started climbing my way back up. After a long journey, I ended up working at Living Streams, where I am fortunate enough to continue working from home. I realize that, through all the anger and frustration, God was still there and listening. He could see the big picture, and now my life is fuller than before I ever lost a job.
Right now, the government is trying to be as helpful as it can. New legislation was passed containing many efforts to mitigate damage to the economy and individual households. One of those measures that will affect most of us is the issue of stimulus checks. For some of us, it is exactly what we need. For some of us, it won’t be enough. For some of us, it might even leave a little extra. No matter what your circumstance, we are offering these five recommendations for your consideration:
Pray and see if God is directing you toward something specific. It may be something easy or difficult, but we believe God always has our best interest in mind
Set aside 10% for generosity. Come up with a creative and intentional way to help someone anonymously. Living Streams sets aside 10% of tithes received for local and international missions endeavors. Right now, it is being used to keep our Food Pantry open and to provide emergency aid to churches and missionaries around the world.
Pay off debts, starting with the highest interest rate. The borrower is slave to the lender, but God did not make us to be slaves. Keep the long-term in mind as you figure out which debts to pay off. Debt with higher interest rates cause you to pay more in total over longer periods of time.
Figure out what your next big expense will be (for example, car repair or new AC unit) and apply it to that. Successful budgeting requires that you examine what needs will exist in the near future—not just immediate needs.
Save it for this summer, when financial difficulties may be worse. We do not know how long this crisis will last or what the long-term economic impact will be. The amount you set aside now might be exactly what you or someone else needs in the future.
Remember, God sees the big picture and He knows what is around the corner for each of us. No matter what frustrations lie ahead, continue to look to the Father and remember the hope we have through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.