What Recession?

WHAT RECESSION?
1Chronicles 29:11
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.” Emphasis mine.

For sure, there is a reason for our plummeting economy. What’s God’s purpose for it? Could it be because hidden sin requires repentance and cleansing? Are we to awaken to our desperate plight in a fallen world—where there remains constant recession—and call out to our Father for help? Is this happening so we remember the origins of joy: His grace, rather than goods, His mercy, rather than money, His worth, rather than our meager wealth?

Does our recession trigger love for being generous to severely hurting people? Are there members in your church who need financial assistance?

What does God long to teach us in difficult times? Luke 1:37 assures us that nothing is impossible for God. Is this our test to demonstrate that we haven’t forgotten Jesus’ great commission in Matthew 28:20? We’ve got work to do, sisters and brothers! We haven’t been abandoned!

Are we being reminded that there is only one source of security? Apostle Paul advises us in 1Timothy 6:17-19. We’re not to trust in uncertain riches, but in the Living God—Who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let us continue to do good, give, willing to share. We have an opportunity, during times of diminished resources, to grow richer in good works and generosity. (Storing up a rich foundation for eternal life).

When finances rebound, and stability returns, will we have learned to let go, instead of hoarding our blessings? When will God’s kids learn to trust solely in God?

Take Home Nugget

Matthew 7:7-11 contains two generous assurances for us to embrace—especially during hard times: 1.) We’re allowed, and encouraged, to come to God with our requests. And 2.) He promises to answer our prayers.

Often, our requests aren’t for our own good. That’s where v.11 (verse 11) sheds light on the way God answers our prayers. Many of His gifts to us are intangible (in-TANJ-i-bl, means invisible). Often God gives us what’s most valuable to our growth—growth in Christ-like qualities.

With time, our perspective expands to get why God gave us patience, endurance, tolerance, fortitude (meaning acceptance, staying power with courage and strength) instead of concrete gifts, like a car, better clothes, more talent or wealth.

Just because we may not understand God’s answer to prayer doesn’t negate His goodness.

One thing assures us secures us, whatever betide,
Scripture promises us that God’s on our side.
When all we have is God, we’ve got it all:
Despite our insecurities, He’ll never let us fall.

J.D. Griffith

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