Faith To Survive In A Drowning Economic Austerity – Part 1
TOPIC: FAITH TO SURVIVE IN A DROWNING ECONOMIC AUSTERITY (1)
BIBLE TEXT: 2 Kings 4:1-7; Job 22:28-29; Proverbs. 16:1; Hebrews 11:6.
KEY VERSE: And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Dan 11:32
The main faculties for apprehending God are not intellectual but spiritual. True knowledge of who God is makes a man strong in the midst of storms. No school of secular learning can instruct this.
A story was told of a man who found an eagle’s egg and kept it amongst his chicken’s eggs. Fortunately, the little eaglet was hatched alongside the chicks, and they began life together. This unholy company made the little eaglet adjust to the beggarly lifestyle of the chicks, and they had good company of scratching the dirt in their environment for insects and seeds they could afford to eat.
The eaglet never noticed that the formation of its wings was different from others. However, it observed that it could fly a few feet off the ground as other chicks did. However, it concluded that there couldn’t be any greater height than the one achieved.
One day, the eaglet observed a magnificent bird (eagle) far above the sky, flying with an awe (feeling of reverential respect mixed with wonder) of dominion. On another occasion, it attempted to prey on one of the chicks, and in an attempt to run for safety, the eaglet noticed that it flew more than the other chicks. It done on it that it could fly like the intimidating eagle.
READ: Bible Study: Secrets To Being Lifted Up – Part 1
Not too long, the eaglet determined to make a difference amongst the chicks. It set a target, and within a few days, the eaglet discovered its potential and flew away to fulfil its God-given abilities. Until the eaglet was confronted with adversity, it had no faith in its abilities and the incredible potentials that were being wasted.
We live in the midst of challenging economic adversity. Graduates hang around corners looking for any available job with some ready to change their present job if they get another with only N1000 difference. This is equally the best time to demonstrate our faith in the God of all times. The woman under reference had just lost the husband (quite sad and painful moment for the family), a possible business partner or creditor paid blind eyes and deaf ears to her predicament.
It was a trying time for this family, but it was also a gateway to economic boom and a season of great exploits for those who know their God. Rather than developing High Blood Pressure from the threats of the creditor, she cried out to the man of God for help.
STERLING QUALITIES DISPLAYED BY THIS WOMAN
a) She did not express regrets about marrying a Pastor who spent his time serving God.
b) Despite the indebtedness, she could still attest to his faithful services to God while he lived.
c) She seemed to be a genuine Pastor’s wife indeed, as the tempting moment would have attracted insults from her, especially on the insensitivity of the creditor.
d) Her faith in God made her approach God’s servant.
e) She was very economical with her choice of words in order to protect the family. There was no public announcement on how these debts were incurred.
ALSO, READ: Bible Study: Secrets To Being Lifted Up – Part 2