Debt free CAP client Joanne reflects on her journey and the part that prayer has played.
Joanne experienced the devastating effects of debt on her family, including her son, Ire.
(average read time: 2 minutes)
Since becoming debt free and sharing her story with CAP supporters in 2020, she’s continued to see God’s transformative power. Here she reflects on the journey.
When I was in debt I was anxious and afraid. I felt ashamed. When I was at my lowest, I thought God did not love me because I had mismanaged the thing he calls for us to steward wisely. However, through CAP, God showed me abundant grace.
As soon as I got in contact with CAP, I experienced a sense of freedom and stopped isolating myself. I had peace and slept easier that night knowing that I had spoken to people who did not judge me in any way. Throughout the process, I believed and practised the words in Philippians 4:6–7, which say, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ My life has been transformed.
Looking back, God was always present through the bad, the ugly, the entire process. He gave me hope when I had none. I saw that as I continued to pray, God continued to be faithful. I became more compassionate to others. Abandoned visions became alive again in me. My mindset changed when I gained freedom. I see money differently now. I budget well, plan and strategise and I have more clarity, hope and focus.
I believe God helps people through other people and prayer makes that connection. I also believe prayer is the key that brings down what is in heaven into our lives on earth. So I invite you to pray for your own situation or for someone else who needs lifting up. Find scriptures that speak into your circumstances and hold on in prayer, believe and speak out. Whatever it’s for, I urge you to pray.
My journey from timidity to boldness, lack to abundance, anxiousness to peace, shame and condemnation to freedom, employee to self-employed, fearful to fearless, poor to prosperous, is a testimony to the power of prayer.
