ARE WE RECESSION READY?
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8
The first months of 2009 have not been a good start for the whole world. The global economic crisis has already taken its toll on most of the nations, and the Philippines is not an exception; in fact, we are beginning to see and to feel its repercussions. Recently, several multinational conglomerates like Intel closed down their plants due to their incapability to sustain their operations here in the Philippines. A number of financial and pre-need firms already declared bankruptcy. Moreover, other companies here and abroad opted to take reduction measures to salvage their businesses.
As a result, thousands of Filipino laborers are now jobless and hopeless. Majority of those who were laid off are confused as to what to do and where to go. Small and medium-scale businesses also are on the verge of economic failure. This situation is even worsened by the scarcity and expensiveness of basic commodities, by the peace and order problems in the south, and by the never-ending issues and anomalies in the government.
Even though the authorities are presently doing everything at their disposal to counter these events, it is still human nature for us to get discouraged. Furthermore, it is inevitable for us to worry of what might come out of these uncertainties. We are troubled by the thought of insufficient resources and lack of security. We are bothered if we can get through these still alive and sane. We are like animals in a jungle of uncertainty, where we must strive and compete for our survival.
Amidst all these, God reminds us that we should not let our hearts be troubled and trust fully in him. As 1 Peter 5:7 tells us, we must cast all our anxiety on God for He cares for us. Who else has the power over all these things but God?
The Bible actually holds several promises that would help us get through these trying times. He doesn’t want us to worry (Matthew 6:25-34) of what the future holds because He is able to provide us all our needs (Philippians 4:19), heal us from our sicknesses (Isaiah 53:5), rescue us from distress (Jeremiah 1:8), and strengthen us in our weaknesses (Isaiah 41:10). And these are not all -- the Bible contains a lot of promises which God waits to be claimed by us.
As Christians, we must take action in times of crisis like this. It is through our lives that people can see that our God is greater than any economic or political upheaval. At this point, no one can really help us but the Lord, for provision comes not from our jobs, our businesses or from anybody but from Him. Faithfulness to God is the only key in order for us to survive this great ordeal.
Now, can we say that we are recession-ready?
written by Alex Monton, Victory Church Mandaluyong