Good News In Bad Economic Times
The financial crisis in our country deepens. Just when you thought your retirement accounts couldn‘t get any lower they drop again. Just when you were hoping that this year we might come out of the recession that we are in, the Federal Reserve predicts that the economy will shrink more this year, unemployment will rise to 8.3 percent and the housing crisis will worsen.
If their predications weren‘t gloomy enough An AP article on MSNBC.com on February 18th stated: ―Still, given all the economy‘s problems, there are risks that the Fed‘s forecasts could turn out to be too optimistic. And a few Fed officials — none are identified — feared that it could take five or six years for the economy and employment to get back into a sustainable mode of health.
That is bad news. But Is there any good news in this economic crisis? The answer is yes! I don‘t want to minimize in any way the economic hardship that the greed of others has brought on people‘s lives. But there is good news in the bad news. The good news doesn‘t come from Wall Street, it comes from God‘s Word. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even this economic crisis has been allowed by God for good purposes. What could they be? I believe one reason is to create in those without Christ a hunger for the eternal treasures of heaven. Historically, it has been during hard economic times that there has been an increase in church attendance and people seeking Christ as their savior. In fact, in the last couple of weeks I have had some great opportunities to share Christ as a result of a conversation about the economic crisis. Pray that out of these bleak financial times that God would awaken peoples‘ hearts to their need of Him and when they come though our church doors let‘s make sure that they feel welcomed and at home.
Secondly, the economic collapse is good for us be-cause it causes us to re-evaluate what is truly valu-able in life and to reorder the price tags of our lives. Start by thanking God for what you have; your health, your families, your friends and co-workers, your church and most importantly a Heavenly Father that knows your needs and has promised to meet your needs and care for you.
Thirdly, It is a time to grow closer to God to by spending extra time with Him in His Word to find the strength, wisdom and encouragement that we need to help others through these difficult times. Here is a great place to start: Spend some time each day meditating on the following promises that I found in an article by Rick Warren entitled: ―25 Promises From The Bible For Financially Tough Days. When you go through tough times, God promises:
1. To care for you – Matt. 6:28-30
2. To provide For You – Matt. 6:31
3. To help you deal with what happens that day –Matt. 6:34
4. To give you rest. To lift you up – 1 Peter 5:6-7
6. To give you peace – Phil. 4:6-7
7. To give you real treasure – Matt. 6:19-21
8. To grow your faith – James 1:2-4
9. To give strength whatever the financial situation – Phil. 4:12-13
10. To meet your needs – Phil. 4:19
11. To protect you from fear – Psalm 46:1-est – Matt. 11:28
12. To bless those who bless others – Prov. 11:25
13. To work for your good – Rom. 8:28
14. To give you something to look forward to -1 Cor. 2:9
15. To answer your prayers – Matt. 7:7-8
16. To comfort you, and comfort others through you – 2 Cor. 1:3-4
17. To bring joy – Psalm 126:5
18. To give you the desires of your heart –Psalm 37:4
19. To reward your faith – Matt. 17:20
20. To reward your patience – Gal. 6:9
21. To give to those who give – Lk. 6:38
22. To direct your decisions – Prov. 3:5-6
23. To give you wisdom – James 1:5
24. To renew your strength – Isa. 40:31
25. To be with you – Isa. 43:2-3
These may be dark times financially but our future is a bright as the promises of God!
