From the chatter both nationally as well as locally I perceive that the outlook for our economy is bleak if not depressing. Gas prices have soared to almost $4 per gallon which effects the price of everything else. Housing foreclosures are at an all-time high and for the first time since the great depression have housing and property values dropped nation wide. We are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan with the threat from terrorism lurking at our door from every side. If we look at our situation from strictly a secular and temporary position we could easily get depressed and discouraged.
If you are a believer in Christ, I have good news for you; no matter what happens, you still win. With Jesus’ disciples facing an uncertain future full of persecution and hardship, Jesus spoke words of encouragement to them in the gospel of John, chapter 14. He said, "Don’t let your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me." In other words, don’t be discouraged, don’t be full of anxiety, don’t worry because trusting in me and my plans for you is all you need. He had already promised earlier that if they would follow Him completely that he would meet their basic needs.
The problem is that we sometimes only think temporary when we need to think eternally. He goes on in that same chapter in John and says, "In my Fathers house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you that where I am you may be also." In other words, we are to live with eternity in mind not just the here and now. The truth of the matter is that if the worse possible situation came our way on this earth, we still come out winners. If we go through life as a pauper and endure hardships and even pain, if we are attacked and killed by terrorists we still win because we get to go to that place God has promised us. Another thing is that this promise is not just for a few years, like this life we live, but it is for eternity which is forever and forever.
I am not suggesting that we ignore our problems on earth, for we should make every effort to make things better. What I am suggesting is that we not focus so much on our problems that we allow them to bring us down both spiritually and emotionally. Again I say, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, no matter what happens you still win.
Pastor Steve Lane
New Beginnings Community Church