Answering the call … At Such a Time as This
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 43:10 NASB)
As you and I watch an amazing economic crisis unfold around us, we see – and we feel – the uncertainty, anger and fear that being out of control generates. How critical it is for us, as Christians in the marketplace, to breathe deeply and to remember who we are, who God is, and what He has said to us for times just like what we are facing today.
To help you in that, let me suggest three steps that you, your family and any others in your sphere of influence can take to make good use of the time God is giving us in the days ahead:
1. Focus on God – not the circumstances. Remember that He is not surprised by what is happening, and that He is at work in this.
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NASB)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NASB)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NASB)
2. In an environment that rushes to place blame, recognize that we need to be the first to humble ourselves before God and acknowledge our need for forgiveness and cleansing.
“If My people, who are called by My Name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NASB)
During the FCCI International Conference this past week, Walt Wiley reminded us of the cycle that the nation of Israel experienced again and again as they failed to hold onto the understanding of their need for and dependence upon God for their national wellbeing. The cycle began with the people falling into SIN, to which God responded by raising up an outside force that brought them into harsh SERVITUDE. When the people could stand it no longer, they pleaded with God (SUPPLICATION), and He raised up a deliverer (SALVATION). When salvation came, along with it came a time of peace and contentment (SILENCE), which remained until the people of Israel forgot the past and fell into the cycle yet again. Walt asked us where we think we are in that cycle. How would you answer?
3. Be prepared to provide hope and answers to those who are searching, in pain and have lost hope. Even though none of us will have all of the answers to all of the questions people are asking at a time like this, we can be prepared to tell others why we have hope. “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (I Peter 3:15) This is a great time to review all God has been doing in and through your business – as well as your personal life - looking for fingerprints that are evidence of how He has been preparing you and your company to make a difference right now.
This may sound simplistic – and it certainly is only a beginning – but going back to the foundation of what we believe and why we believe it is essential when other foundations are being shaken … and found inadequate. Do we really believe what God has said, or have we just been repeating the words?
Just this morning, FCCI’s Global Leadership Team – our staff from all over the world – spent time on our knees … and on our faces … looking at our foundation and asking God for wisdom and clear direction as we try to come along side of each of you and support how you sense God is leading you right now. Out of that time came a check list that we believe will be helpful as you plan and act in the days ahead. We will be sending you that check list in the next day or so, as well as posting it on www.fcci.org.
Perhaps one of the most appropriate stories for us in these circumstances comes from Luke 8:22-25. Jesus and His disciples are in a boat crossing the sea. Jesus has fallen asleep when a storm arises, causing panic to grip the disciples. When they awakened Him, he calmed the storm, but also challenged the depth of their faith … and caused them to again examine their understanding of just who this Man really is. What a great reminder that He, indeed, can calm this storm, and of our continuing need to seek to understand Him more deeply … and trust Him more completely.
We’re praying for His presence in your storm today, and we’re eager to walk with you in the days ahead.
Expectantly in Christ,
Doug
Doug Hunter
President & CEO
Fellowship of Companies for Christ International / Christ@Work
You don't waste your life by where you work, but by how and why. John Piper
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Fellowship of Companies for Christ International
