Prayers and advice re money

beth42862 · #1 Nov 22, '10, 5:32 am

Hello all,
I am posting this to seek advice from you not just about finances, but how its affecting my life.My life is out of control right now,instead of God helping me have control of it.
In the past year and a half,I have gone through a divorce,my sister was diagnosed and is dying of cancer,A new relationship failed,ive started smoking and having my nightly drinks again,which I believe is to numb me) and the days are hard for me to get through.
Out of all of this,it is the lack of money that consumes my waking thoughts."How am i going to pay my rent"? How am I going to pay my bills?" I can still only find a part time job and its just not enough.My days are controlled by constant fear of this! I feel my life is completely out of control!! I cannot focus and function because of this fear,then to add to it,my sisters illness,knowing that I drink and smoke and hating that but having trouble quitting it,and the divorce is all too much.
I pray first thing every morning,and through the day constantly now for answers,help,deliverance,but I get or at least cant hear answers.
My day is a fog because of all the stress.There is no joy because im just trying to get my tasks done to survive. its all beginning to get the best of me.
Please,does anyone have advice?am i praying wrong? My biggest prayer is that God just show me what I need to do, and what I need to leave to him.
Please reply and thanks,
Beth

Barbkw · #2 Nov 22, '10, 6:42 am

I'd suggest more prayer. Have you and your sister considered moving in together, caring for her after your part time job?

P.S. Isn't it illogical to spend precious money on cigarettes and alcohol when the rent hasn't been paid?

Rascalking · #3 Nov 22, '10, 6:50 am

Beth,

I'm praying for you.

I speak from experience here on the alcohol/smoking issue. I've been sober for a year and nine months, and I smoked and drank heavily in my life as well. "Logic" doesn't apply to us when we want a smoke or a drink or a hit or something. People can complain to us all that time thatthe bills aren't pain, so why are spending money on thse things? It's simple -we're addicted. That trumps logic. It's a terrible cycle-we worry because we drink/party it up so much so we party it up and drink/smoke to get away from our worries.

No one can answer or say if your addicted to anything. You need to answer that for yourself. There is help out there.

Prayer is, without question, helpful. Eventually however, you need to take accountability for your actions and choose to make changes. I've seen people focus on prayer and it seems to me like the old parable about the man in a flood who just says, "God will protect me". He turns down help from boats, helicopters, etc-and then dies. When says, "God, I asked you for your protection, what gives?" God says, "I gave you a boat, a helicopter-what more do you want?"

Don't be that guy. Rely on prayer to a point-but take action.

beth42862 · #4 Nov 22, '10, 7:31 am

Thank you rascal,
your right if you are an addict its hard and people who dont suffer from that have trouble understanding. I was smoke free for years, and I would even avoid alcohol because i was afraid I would like it too much because of family history.I chose to start smoking and drinking wine at night I believe to help me cope with all the stuff going on,and I would still pray also.
I will seek the advice of my counselor.I have an appointment today actually ,so i know God is working and I have to recognize that

Catholic EC · #5 Dec 14, '10, 5:05 pm

Try reading Jeimiah 29: 11-14 I have found that to be helpful. Hang in there and keep up the prayers try a novena to Our Lady of Good Remedey as well it can be found on EWTN's website under prayers and devotions.