I have received so many questions about the economy that it's not funny! People are concerned about all of the upheaval associated with the economic downturn that challenges life as we know it in America. In fact, the world is experiencing a financial maze unlike anything in the last fifty years. China, Japan, Europe and every other country is trying to figure out strategies for making it through tough financial times. We are watching some of the greatest companies in the world as they struggle to survive.
Stimulus packages and Bail out plans are the talk of the day. News reports of financial corruption continue to dominate headlines while average families experience foreclosures and tumbling home equity along with job losses, downsizing, benefit cuts and all the rest. However, behind all of these cold realities there is a voice that asks, "where is God, and what has God to say about what's going on in our economy?"
God is present and active in all of our experiences. We have God's word that we are not abandoned or forsaken. We can celebrate the presence of God in the middle of this season of economic challenge without worry. I was even asked if we are being punished or something of that sort. Well, it's certainly not mine to say if we are being punished or not. However, I can share that if we are, what we are getting is light in comparison to our behaviors. We just may deserve much worse! We are struggling but we are making it. It's tough out here, but God have given us grace to survive.
It is important for us to know that God's word speaks to the whole human struggle, including the economy. God is involved when we hurt and God feels what we feel. The economic downturn that confronts us is our present reality. We must accept that. But, we must also accept the fact that we need to make some real changes in the way we live. Our spending habits must change and we absolutely must honor God with all of our resources. Just in case some of us have forgotten the principles of sowing and reaping, let's remember that seed time and harvest are natural to the plan of life and cannot be taken for granted without negative results.
God wants us to prosper, the Bible tells us so. However, more than our comfort, God is interested in our character. We should pray about what we can change about ourselves to begin a change in our world. It's on us to think again about what we really need, over and against what we think we want. You and I must be the ones to decide to make things better by shifting our attitudes and behaviors for the greater good. The poor position of our economy is not something God is doing to us. God is faithful to see us through it all!
When we pray, let's ask God for strength to change and grace to grow. Let's ask God for patience and discipline so that we can come out of this a better people for the kingdom. In our prayers, we should also ask for forgiveness for our sometimes reckless behaviors which results in waste, and abuse of our resources. Above all else, remember that God's bailout plan is available to us anytime, anywhere. Paul describes it like this in Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Hallelujah! Amen.
Pastor Branch
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2 comments:
I must applaud you once again. This is awesome!
I just asked my husband last week if it seemed like our money was stretching further than usual? When we first made the committment to the stewardship campaign,we really felt it in our pockets. Well, when you make a real sacrifice I guess you should feel it. Things got a little tight but we were consistant with our committment. After a few months I didn't feel it as much, I actually started to see more money in my pocket. We even increased our giving for February and March for the church anniversary. Then I realize what you said in the fourth paragraph, our spending habits have changed. I have stopped the unnecessary shopping and we aren't eating out as much. I'm sure we are saving in some other areas too.
I know that I have a better handle on my needs and my wants and it helps me to just stay out of the stores completely. This has been a process for me. It didn't just happen over night.
Let's just keep seeking God's face and all of these other things that we think we want now, won't seem so important.
Our struggles are real, but like you said, "God is faithful to see us through it all!"
Praise God!!!
Excellent article! Thanks for sharing, this is exactly what people need to hear now when there's bad news at every turn. God cares for all of our needs!
-Dorethia
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