Testimony from a Friend …
We had just become engaged and had six months to save for a wedding. Nearly as soon as we became engaged, my fiancés work hours were cut from 40 to 32 a week. Simultaneously I read the scripture about give to “Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” I became convicted about gross tithe paying instead of net tithe paying, but I struggled psychologically because I thought it would be too big of a financial strain.
We wanted a nice wedding, however we felt convicted not to start off our marriage with debt. Therefore giving more tithe right then was a real test of faith. I prayed God would make our budget work; but it didn’t seem possible.
Unexpectedly, we received two large escrow checks in the mail. Additionally, we got to skip a month of mortgage for a refinance. The timing of the funds was perfect.
Other blessings followed. A wedding dress store was closing everything and I obtained my dream dress at approximately a fifth of the price. The dress had to be altered down three dress sizes. When it was done, the seamstress refused to charge me. Additionally my mother got a large sum unexpectedly and provided additional funds. My family scheduled several work bees making beautiful stage, reception flowers and decorations. The musician gave his services as a wedding gift. We were able to have a beautiful wedding, including a honeymoon to Maui without incurring debt and saved over $10,000 in six months because God opened his treasury flood gates on us. I did my budget and when finished it showed we had just enough money down to the dollar. When I realized this, I knew we had done the right thing. My husband’s hours are still down. But, even so, we are doing financially well. We continue to pay gross on every paycheck and God truly blessed.