We Can Rely on God - With Confidence
Even with all this market mayhem, we have reason to be confident. That is, we can trust in God's goodness and His promises. We all want to be independent. Of course, we do. Independently wealthy. Independent of those that seek to control us. Independent of adversaries. Those desires are normal, natural, and reasonable. What free man would want to be controlled by another? Who doesn't want financial flexibility and security? God made us morally capable with the desire for liberty. While we yearn for freedom and independence one of the key principles of the Bible is for the people of God to rely on God alone.
Yes, we have freedom in Christ - but it is so that we can be reliant on God alone. And, on top of that, perhaps annoyingly so, we are to be unified with each other and act in harmony. That's a tall order. But it is what the church is called to do.
So my friends, Christian business leaders, be reminded that in these trying times, as in all times, we are to fully depend on Jesus Christ. Be patient and confident. The sky is not falling! Keep building for despite the storm, God is Good! Only God can heal the unhealable and bring back to life what is clearly dead. God can turn around our lives, our businesses, our industries, our families, our communities, and our nations. God will get us through this financial mess. In fact, it is a wonderful time to get our finances and our own house in order. And to adjust the course as needed for our organizations.
There is nothing too hard for Jesus. I know, losing 30% in the market in just a short period is hard to stomach. It's going to be okay. No matter the obstacles in our way if we ask God to lead us and if we trust Him alone we can be certain He will give us big responsibilities and opportunities to thrive. Ask God today for exactly what you need and what you ought to be working at. God loves us beyond measure and He desires for us to depend on Him and to ask Him to do the unthinkable.
I’m happy that the Bible includes the embarrassing blunders of the Bible heroes. Abraham did some bizarre things with Sarah. Moses ran for the hills for years after murdering the Egyptian guard. And he then had all sorts of doubts, oddities, and micromanaging issues. David had too many blunders to count. Paul and Peter bickered like teenage girls. See, we are in good company! But being human is not an excuse to ignore the Bible’s warnings, teachings, and commands.
Yes, it is okay to be frustrated with our situation (personal, business, career, etc.). It sucks to be working in an organization that does not encourage people or promote them based on competence or merit. It is not right when our community leaders shirk their duties to lead well, remind us of the mission of the organization, and lead from the front. And yes, it sucks to be sick and get a bad diagnosis. And it sucks to have broken relationships, financial challenges, and repeated mistakes. We are not alone! God sees clearly everything that men and women do. He examines the paths we take (Proverbs 5:21). Jesus is for us, but He warns us of the consequences of not depending on Him.
If we trust in the world and our own strength, power, resources, and abilities we will not be able to model godly character. That’s just a fact. Independence is a bit of a mirage. So many organizations are weak and worldly because they don't remove the leaders of bad character and don't promote those with good character. It is the same in politics. Leaders are there to serve. But when they put their interests ahead of those they are to serve then it's a total misalignment of what their leadership should be. The Bible says that those held captive by their own sin are incapable of modeling good godly character. Our job as men and women of godly character is to be right with God and rely on Jesus.
God's way is much better. We hold tightly to God’s instructions, for they are the key to life (Proverbs 4:13). It is challenging to pay attention and to stay focused on God’s way. But listening carefully to God brings life, and healing from physical and emotional wounds and will determine the course of our lives. Be encouraged today for God loves to miraculously come through for us when we need Him. And that day is today and every day.
Be determined to succeed. Ask Jesus for audacious things. And simple things. Ask to be more loyal and kind. Eyes fixed on the path marked by the Holy Spirit. Yes, we can and will drift and wander. Get back on track. Let's rely on God alone. Remove anything holding us back and repent of sin. That's not a weakness; it is a requirement of a leader of character.
Recommit to Jesus. Say this, “I will do what God has purposed and planned for me to do. Fearlessly. In thought and deed - heart and soul - I will achieve what God has called for me to do to give honor God’s name.”
May we be humble and contrite this weekend. May we tremble at God’s word and His coming judgment. The heroes of the faith trusted Jesus. Martha and Mary knew that all people would be raised to life on judgment day. That is as true today as it was 2,000 years ago. But man, did Jesus blow their minds by showing them that He is God and the One who not only heals but raises people from the dead (John 11:1-44). Jesus seeks to blow our minds as well with His love and power and miraculous way.
Take courage knowing God is with us and loves us completely. Jesus came to serve and save and to testify to the truth. Let us serve today with joy and faithfulnes and determination.
We have enemies as Abraham had enemies. And they intend evil for us and our families. But we trust God. And we trust He will use us to build and produce putting our faith into action.
The Bible says this of Abraham, “And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith” (Genesis 15:6). May the same be said of us. Amen.
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