Dear Friend,
The economy is on the mind of everyone these days. It dominates the headlines on radio, on television and in the newspaper. People in this part of Mexico are always hurting this time of year because we are a tourist dependent economy and Nov. is normally the end of the low season for tourism. People are worried this year as the Pecos is loosing value each day. The news isn’t good news. Words like recession, depression, downturn and uncertainty dominate the discussion.
Perhaps right now you are feeling financial stress, fear of the future or even the pain of uncertain economic times. Or maybe you are like so many and you simply don’t know what to think! You may be asking, “How will this affect me?” “What will this do to my job?” or “How will this impact my parents or friends?”
The truth is, none of us know the future. But I do know that living our lives by the ups and downs of the market is a very stressful (dare I say, hopeless) way to live.
In times of great uncertainty, we have to break away from the 24-hour news cycles that compete for our attention and focus on the unchanging, the eternal and the solid truths of life.
I am not a fortune teller or a prophet, but I am a life-long student of Scripture and here are four TRUTHS that you can hold onto regardless of the economic news:
1- GOD IS IN CHARGE. God is still on the throne and He is not shaken by the economic uncertainties of life (or any other uncertainties for that matter). He still offers hope to those who trust in him.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
2- GOD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE IF YOU CALL ON HIM.
Turn off the anxiety-producing news reports and open the Good News of God’s Word. Spend some time reading your Bible and praying each day. And remember this promise:
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
3- GOD WILL GIVE YOU ALL YOU NEED IF YOU PUT HIM FIRST. While it’s tempting to ‘take control’ of our finances when the future is uncertain, let me challenge you to do the opposite. Give control of your finances to God and put him first. If you do, he will give you all you need.
“God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” – Matthew 6:33
4- GOD WILL USE YOU MORE IN A TIME OF CRISIS THAN IN CALM. While none of us would have wished for this time of difficulty, there is an opportunity for us, as God’s people, to model to the world that our faith is not just a ‘sunny day faith.’ Throughout the ages, it has been during times of crisis that Christianity and God’s people have had the most impact. Let me challenge you to model with your life and lips the 3 truths above and put feet to your faith by:
· being a person of generosity while everyone else is hoarding (John 3:16);
· being consistent in faith while others are fearing (2 Timothy 1:7);
· showing great love and concern for your for the world be going on a mission trip in 2009.
I trust that these truths will be an encouragement to you!
Be encouraged!
We are stepping out in faith and starting a new work in Playa. I am going to ask you to join us in this step of faith. Please pray and please give.....
If you would like more information about this new work and how you can help please contact me Doug Millar at doug@church-in-playa.com
