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Six steps to prepare for the days ahead
The Global Financial Crisis in 2009 uncovered an even deeper problem that we all face—it’s a crisis of the heart.
Anyone can see that our society is quickly shifting away from any semblance of a biblical worldview. Instead of seeking God for direction and help, it seems our efforts are directed toward the goal of prosperity at all costs.
As Christians, what will be our response to the challenges that lie before us? There is uncertainty over what will happen to the economy over the next 12 months. Increasingly some households are facing significant financial pressure as mortgage rates increase to levels not seen since the period leading up to the Global Financial Crisis. Media talk about the possibility of a recession is creating anxiety.
Here are six things that, if we do them, will prepare us for the days ahead. These will set the stage for a great spiritual revival.
1. Discover your God-given purpose.
Why did God put you here on earth at this very moment in time? That’s a big question that each of us must wrestle with. Did He put you here to live the prosperity dream, raise a great family, get an education, watch online movies, build a business, play sports, be a consumer? Write down your answer and carry it with you. Begin ordering your life around your God-given purpose. (See Ephesians 2:10. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.)
2. Decide now if you’re willing to suffer for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus exhorted His disciples to be ready for persecution. Paul said that he was ready to suffer and die, if necessary, for Jesus. Are you ready to make the hard choices? (See Acts 21:13-14. But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed in Jerusalem, but even to die for the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”)
3. Determine what is your highest and best contribution to fulfilling the command by Jesus for us to make disciples of all the nations.
Is there anything that needs to be moved out of the way so you can make your best contribution? Are there adjustments to your lifestyle or your use of time, energy, or money that will demonstrate your full surrender to the Lord? (See Hebrews 12:1-3. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won’t become weary and give up.)
4. Develop a financial plan.
Base your plan on your purpose, and prayerfully allocate all of your resources to it. Having your money serve you rather than the other way around will free you to fulfil your purpose. Remember, God is glorified as we demonstrate to the world that Jesus is real, our faith is real, and our peace is real. (See Matthew 6:24. “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”)
5. Increase your spiritual fervour.
Intentionally move from a life of independence to dependence on Him. We must be totally dependent on Christ and His Word, not our money, not our government. Jesus is our Master; we are His ambassadors. We should be full of hope, prepared anytime to offer an explanation of that hope to a wondering world.
6. Put the love of God into practice right now.
Until we put our faith into practice, it accomplishes nothing. God put us here, not to live a life of comfort, pleasure, and fulfilment of our personal dreams. He wants us to be a blessing to others, point them to Him, advance His Kingdom, and bring Him glory. (See James 2:14-17. What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”- but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?)
Conclusion
As the people of God, we must understand that God placed us here at this time to fulfil His purposes. Let’s commit to preparing now for the revival He wants to accomplish in us and in those we serve in His name during these times.
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