From Burden to Breakthrough: A Biblical Path to Getting Out of Debt
By: Alex Cook
Debt doesn’t just affect your bank account. It affects your peace, your sleep, your marriage, and even how you hear God.
But here’s the truth you need to hold on to:
You don’t have to stay stuck.
God has something better for you, and He’s inviting you to walk in freedom.
This isn’t just about paying off debt.
This is about transformation: from fear to faith, from chaos to clarity, and from financial pressure to Kingdom peace.
Let’s walk this out, step by step, together.
1. Start With Surrender, Not Shame
Before you open a spreadsheet or touch your calculator, pause.
Invite God into your finances. Be honest about your situation. Confess any fear, guilt, or regret you’ve been carrying. Then release it all at His feet.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
“The borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
You were never meant to carry this weight alone. You serve a God of redemption, not condemnation.
2. Get Clear on What You Owe
Write down all your debts: every credit card, loan, and payment you’re responsible for. Seeing the full picture might feel overwhelming at first, but clarity is the beginning of change.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32
You can’t conquer what you don’t confront. And you’re not facing it alone.
3. Use the Debt Snowball to Gain Momentum
One of the most powerful, biblical-principled ways to pay off debt is called the Debt Snowball Method. It’s simple and effective because it builds faith-filled momentum.
Here’s how it works:
- List all your debts from smallest to largest (ignore interest rates for now).
- Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest one.
- Put every extra dollar toward the smallest debt.
- Once that one is paid off, roll the payment you were making into the next smallest debt.
Each time you pay off a debt, you gain confidence and motivation—kind of like David taking down Goliath one stone at a time.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” – Zechariah 4:10
You don’t need to pay off everything overnight. Just take one faithful step at a time.
4. Put God First and Build a Simple Plan
God is a God of order, and your finances should reflect that too.
Start with a budget. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just make sure it includes these biblical priorities:
- Tithe first (Malachi 3:10)
- Cover your basic needs (food, shelter, transportation)
- Set something aside for emergencies and future goals
- Apply the rest toward your Debt Snowball
This isn’t about restriction. It’s about stewardship. You’re telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.
5. Cut Back So You Can Move Forward
Freedom usually requires sacrifice, at least for a season. That may mean saying no to dinners out, pausing vacations, or cutting subscriptions.
But you’re not just giving things up. You’re gaining peace, purpose, and margin in your life.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace…” – Hebrews 12:11
Your “no” today is making room for a bigger “yes” tomorrow.
6. Let Your Journey Transform You
This isn’t just about your wallet. It’s about your witness.
Getting out of debt will stretch your faith, deepen your trust in God, and show others what it looks like to walk in biblical wisdom.
Imagine how powerful your testimony will be when you say:
“We were drowning in debt, but God led us out, step by step.”
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
You’re Not Just Paying Off Debt; You’re Stepping Into Destiny
This is your breakthrough moment.
You’re not just climbing out of a financial hole. You’re building a new legacy.
You’re choosing peace over pressure, faith over fear, freedom over bondage.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
God is with you every step of the way.
So what’s your next faithful step?
Grab a notebook. List your debts. Pray. Create a simple budget.
And watch what God does with your obedience.
Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.
About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.
Feature image: Canva
