Economic Uncertainty: A Window of Opportunity
Dear Friends,
This is our last blog before the New Year, and I pray that you have experienced God’s hand of guidance and blessing in 2010. As we go into the Christmas season in full force, the message of this week’s video is particularly poignant to me.
In a recent devotion, I was reading in Exodus about the plagues that God sent on Egypt as He was preparing the nation of Israel for deliverance. I realized that the first few plagues affected all of the people in the land – Egyptians and Israelites alike. Just because God’s people were God’s people, they were not exempt from His hand of judgment on the land as He made a way for their deliverance. Wow.
Often, we imagine that as Christians, we should be insulated from what is going on in the world – even from economic uncertainty. The fact is, we are human and we are subject to God’s greater plans for His glory and for the good of His Bride, the Church. So, as we walk through this season of continued economic uncertainty and as we are personally affected by it, I encourage you to shift your viewpoint. To me, one of the most powerful “viewpoint” verses in Scripture is Esther 4:14b when Mordecai asks Esther, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (NIV) Mordecai was challenging Esther to see her circumstances as a way for God to work THROUGH her rather than as something happening TO her.
This Christmas, if you are experiencing difficult circumstances, remember Esther and remember the Israelites in Egypt. Ask God what He wants to do through you, even as you thank Him for being with you in your circumstances.
May God’s peace encourage you as you pursue financial wisdom and depend on His Truth.
Blessings,
Ron
Click here for the video transcript
This is our last blog before the New Year, and I pray that you have experienced God’s hand of guidance and blessing in 2010. As we go into the Christmas season in full force, the message of this week’s video is particularly poignant to me.
In a recent devotion, I was reading in Exodus about the plagues that God sent on Egypt as He was preparing the nation of Israel for deliverance. I realized that the first few plagues affected all of the people in the land – Egyptians and Israelites alike. Just because God’s people were God’s people, they were not exempt from His hand of judgment on the land as He made a way for their deliverance. Wow.
Often, we imagine that as Christians, we should be insulated from what is going on in the world – even from economic uncertainty. The fact is, we are human and we are subject to God’s greater plans for His glory and for the good of His Bride, the Church. So, as we walk through this season of continued economic uncertainty and as we are personally affected by it, I encourage you to shift your viewpoint. To me, one of the most powerful “viewpoint” verses in Scripture is Esther 4:14b when Mordecai asks Esther, “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (NIV) Mordecai was challenging Esther to see her circumstances as a way for God to work THROUGH her rather than as something happening TO her.
This Christmas, if you are experiencing difficult circumstances, remember Esther and remember the Israelites in Egypt. Ask God what He wants to do through you, even as you thank Him for being with you in your circumstances.
May God’s peace encourage you as you pursue financial wisdom and depend on His Truth.
Blessings,
Ron
Click here for the video transcript
I really appreciate the links on the original email message. I read them often. I was particularly struck today by the message from Chuck Colson. Thank you for connecting us to others who have a good word for us.
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Good comments, Ron. Essentially we are asking the same questions during this challenging tie tat we should be asking throughout the year. But, it takes on special meaning right now. Look for ways to support our brothers and sisters in Christ is an excellent response to the economic challenge!
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