Weathering the Economic Storm

Ultimately, it’s not God’s faithfulness that is in question, but ours.     

by Travis Koop 

“We just can’t seem to catch a break.” From newscasters to grocery store clerks, this phrase has found its way into every facet of life. Gas prices continue to rise. College tuition has increased. Interest rates from loans to credit cards have skyrocketed. There are days we cheer as Wall Street celebrates short lived success, but then the next day our hearts sink with the devastating decline. It so difficult to have faith in a time when the only question on our minds is “How long until this is over?”   

It’s so easy to get caught up in the darkness and despondency of our circumstances. Even if we are not feeling the direct affects of the recession, we know someone who is, and because of our own struggles, we often feel unable to help. This sense of hopelessness extends to many Americans living in constant fear of losing their jobs, homes, or families. Many have lost so much already. And while the question “How long?” may feel appropriate in these times, we as believers are instructed to walk by faith.   

Know that God is in control and that God is good. In Matthew 14, we read the familiar account of how Peter had just walked on water when he began to sink. Yet the circumstances around him hadn’t changed. There was no sudden surge of waves or an overpowering gust of wind. Rather, it was Peter’s direction and focus that had changed. After taking his eyes off of his Savior and focusing on his surroundings, Peter was filled with fear and began to be consumed by his environment.    

After we see the waves of life, possibly losing the home after being laid off, it’s easy to be consumed with fear and doubt. Yet it is in just this state that our cry should mimic Peter’s: “Lord, save me!” Christ’s gentle response is the same today as it was when He lifted Peter from the water: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Ultimately, it’s not God’s faithfulness that is in question, but ours.   

How then do we live this life of faithful submission and obedience when the torrents of life crash against us? I Peter 5:7 instructs you to surrender your cares, fears and doubts upon God because “He cares for you.” Consider those words: the infinitely and all-powerful God of the universe cares intimately for you! Christ is deeply acquainted with your suffering, and He longs to carry your burdens. If you find yourself asking God to change the circumstances, remember, it is not God’s will to lift you apart from your burdens, but instead it is His delight to carry the weight of your burdens for you. Your responsibility is to submit and surrender.   

This submission to obedience and surrender is so easily said, but so difficult to do. May our prayers then echo those words of a desperate father’s plea to Christ, “I do believe; but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Remember, just as Peter did not walk on water because of his own ability, God does not expect us to stand the trials of life on our own. Walk forward in obedience and though the waves crash against us and the wind drives us down, they will have no power as long as our eyes are fixed on Christ.   

When the trials of life become impossible to bear, remember His command: God will take care of the impossibility of enabling you to walk on water; you must simply “Come.”