I am at 10% on net, not gross, because I have a ton of non-secured debt and am working that off, too. I began on Jan 1 2014. The only time I have struggled with this was during the lead-up to the divorce when W was unemployed and spending faster than I was making.
I have prayed and prayed over this. God seems to be okay with this approach - and when the credit cards and personal loan are paid off ($33.5K), he'll get 10% on gross. Since W left, I'm already making strides to actually pay this down. I expect it to take about 3 years.
The results weren't what I was looking for - I did get better financial stability, and the obedience led to me seeking Him more diligently. W was supportive of this, but, well...there were obviously other issues.
My faith walk, and choices to be obedient for the past 1 1/2 years actually goes back to something that happened in May 2013. I was a Cub Scout leader. The Scouts voted nationwide to accept and support a lifestyle I don't agree with. I do not hate, and am conflicted in a lot of ways about this situation and decision. However, I cannot voluntarily support with thought, deed, or finances that which is openly against God and his teachings. So, I told the Cubmaster that my final Scouting role would be at Webelos Camp June 30 - July 3 2013.
Simultaneously, we were in a custody dispute w/ SS15's father. We had been working for almost two years to bring to a close something that should have taken 6-9 months.
Our final court date happened in the middle of my final Cub Scout camp. It was moved up from a late August date unexpectedly. I took that as God telling me that the two were related - that I needed to be an obedient servant if I was going to be trusted to influence another young life.
Now, much of that opportunity has been taken away. But, had I not been in the place that I now am spiritually, this D would have become far uglier. And I would not have found my way here to DB.
Pray over this Jefe. Whether you make it a 90 day challenge, or start with 1% and ramp up to 10% every other payday...do it. He'll bless the 1%. This is the only thing/act in the entire Bible where God challenges you to test him. Heck, that alone makes it fun.
(Just re-read this. There are some logical leaps. Ask any question you like for clarification.)
Me: 43 XW: 43 T15 M14 D21, SS15, S11, D8 BD: 8/6 EA / possible PA discovered 9/29 D final 10/20
