As I was praying today and thinking about the financial difficulties some of my friends are going through, I was reminded of Job 1:21.  In spite of losing his family, his money, and his health, Job continued to give God praise.  Of course, I wondered if I would respond as Job did in that situation.  Probably not!

The current economic crisis that America is facing has caused many to be nervous, apprehensive, and afraid, while the media is constantly stoking the fire of our anxiety!

However, even a brief survey of the Scriptures reveals that God, on many occasions, used difficult times to bless his people, which allowed them to be a blessing to others.

Do you remember the Genesis account of Joseph’s family?  They were reunited as the result of a severe famine, and through his hardship, Joseph’s brother’s hearts were changed.  They became willing to die for one another and were, for the first time, concerned about the well being of their father, Jacob.  The guilt of the past was washed away in a flood of forgiveness and their relationships were repaired and restored and the nation of Israel flourished in the midst of a worldwide economic crisis.

At the end of the day, Joseph could say, “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:8).  None of these miraculous events would have occurred had not Jacob and his sons been facing a severe famine and tough economic times.

We can be confident that God still provides for His children during challenging situations.  God is never caught off guard or surprised by current events.  He never scratches His head and says, “Oh my!  What am I going to do now?”

Before you begin to pay your bills for the week or the month, stop for a few minutes and praise God for all His blessings.  Look for the hidden blessings within what may seem to be a burden.  For instance, one college student said that because of the difficult economy he was going to have to live at home while attending college instead of living on campus.  Knowing what we do about American campus life, this may very well be the best thing that has happened to him in recent years.

No matter what happens to our economy, the Scriptures are very clear.  We should…

1.       Be a good steward of all God has given us.

2.       Save as much as possible.

3.       Continue to be faithful in our systematic

       and sacrificial giving to our local church.

4.       Look for ways to help others, out of the resources God has provided.

5.       Spend less than we earn.

6.       Get out of debt and do not incur any new debt.

7.       Do not live in fear but put our faith in Christ.

Without question, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord."  (Job 1:21b)

Have a blessed day.

Pastor David