One of the most common threads I find with people today, even Christians, is FEAR. The other day I went to the grocery store to buy a few items. As I walked through the meat department, I was suddenly impressed with a tremendous sadness. I almost began to cry. I looked at the prices of items, even simple items and began to realize how many people there must be who cannot afford to buy basic necessities. I was so overwhelmed that it moved me to begin to emphasize to our congregation just how much need there is in the world.
That episode led me to think about reality and how many people I know who live in fear. It is not that they do not trust God, many trust Him completely, but they still have fear and uncertainty. But, there are also many who do not have faith in Christ who are looking to the Church for answers and help. It also led me to think about how people come to be in need. Many people just don't realize that living on minimum wage will not allow you to provide for a family. So, many people receive help from public assistance and hopefully from Churches willing to help. PLEASE HEAR ME: "these are not all lazy people who should go and get a job." They are people who have been laid off, had their position eliminated, were victims of the economy causing their business to end. They are people who have graduated from High School or College but find that there are no jobs available to pay their expenses or student loans. And other scenarios can be added here! The reality is many, many, people live in fear and uncertainty. Their reality is 'do I buy food or pay bills?' Maybe their reality is 'should I let my home be repossessed or my car?' Maybe their reality is 'I have had to live off of my retirement account and soon there will be little left for when I retire.' Their cry is "What am I going to do next?"
What are we as the Church telling them is the answer? What are we as the Church doing to help? How are we dealing with the reality?
In 2 Chronicles 20 (and I urge you to go and read the full account of this event), the nation of Judah has war waged on it by a group of enemy nations. Their numbers far exceed that of Judah. The king, Jehoshaphat, gathers the assembly in the house of the Lord for prayer and states three confessions in v. 12 that I believe are always helpful when our circumstances overwhelm us:
- "we are powerless"
- "nor do we know what to do"
- "but, our eyes are on You"
Ultimately Judah is told not to fight themselves, but to trust God and "stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf" (v. 17). The enemy nations are caused to ambush and kill one another, so that Judah did not have to battle them at all. Although God was completely victorious, human nature would tell me that even in a sincere trust of and faith in God, there was still fear and uncertainty.
So...as we are 'Spotting the Truth' let us find some helpful insights:
1. It's OK to have fear and uncertainty. Just don't let it find a foothold of control.
2. Share your concerns and fears with the Lord first of all. Also share them with other believers; engage them to pray with you, advocate for you, and watch for help with you.
3. Pray these three confessions with sincerity and ask God to show you what to do...even if it is just one small step at a time. Then stand and see the salvation of God.
4. Churches.......what are we prepared to do in the face of reality as this overwhelming enemy of economic disaster is upon us? Let's not just pray about it (James 2:14-17), let's do something!
All Churches and Christians, let's spot the truth and deal with the reality.
Jeff Woolum, Pastor
First Baptist Church of Perrysburg, OH
