Chicken, Ostrich, or Eagle?

One doesn't need to be a world-class economist nor a prophet to know that a huge economic collapse is in the future for our world's economy. Most of our politicians here in the US may be oblivious to this fact, but anyone with even a small amount of common sense can see that collapse at some point not too far in the future is inevitable. And this collapse is likely to make the Great Depression look like child's play.

In light of this fact, I have been asking Father how to avoid sounding like a chicken or looking like an ostrich. By chicken I mean, "Chicken Little," the little chicken that went around crying, "The sky is falling!" and by ostrich I mean the hide-my-head-in-the-sand approach. How can we prepare to soar like eagles above the impending storm, not to escape but to serve those who were not prepared? (Christians who stockpile things are doing it to have it to give away, I trust, since this world is not our home.)

So here's a few of my thoughts as I ponder this.

First, the sky is not falling--rather, the economy is collapsing, and instead of fearing this, believers can quite reasonably rejoice in this. The death of the American dream may be one of God's greatest gifts to us, dear ones, because it will do two remarkable things: it will help believers discover what they are really trusting in and worshiping (what we fear indicates where our trust and worship really go), and it will also remove the illusion of security in the things of this world from those who don't know God (I see a great harvest ahead!). In light of this, it seems wise for us to examine now where our trust lies, methinks! It may also mean that we need to examine our ways to be sure they are economically wise so that we will indeed be able to help others who are not prepared. Just a thought.

Second, ignoring things will not make them go away. Okay, so I know that ostriches don't really bury their heads in the sand, but I couldn't find another bird metaphor that fits! My point here, though, is that we cannot hide from that which is coming upon the world. The Bible clearly teaches that in the last days things will get really hard, for everyone and perhaps especially for believers because of increased persecution. And the facts are clearly pointing to a huge economic collapse--something that may cause even believers a bit of fear at first. But if God really is our refuge (and He is) then we can get to that place that means we won't be afraid even if everything around us collapses. Psalm 46 says it best, I think. "God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble. The earth may fall apart. The mountains may fall into the middle of the sea. But we will not be afraid. The waters of the sea may roar and foam. The mountains may shake when the waters rise. But we will not be afraid." (Psalm 46:1-3 NIRV)

An eagle? Legend has it that eagles fly over storms. This isn't really likely since the maximum height a Bald Eagle can reach is about 10, 000 feet, but again it makes for a beautiful picture! There is a promise in Paul's words in Philippians 4:11-13 that tells us we can learn how to fly even in times of economic uncertainty. "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ,who gives me strength." Dear ones, please note that this is something we learn. It isn't automatic nor does it come overnight. Paul wrote this late in his life having been stretched many, many times into a place of living in peace in the midst of many trials. So rather than be upset that we are upset about uncertainty, let's embrace the uncertainty with the knowledge that God is teaching us how to trust Him in a way that invites us deeper into Him, not in some trite, feel-better way, but in a way that gives birth eventually to deep abiding peace. Make it so, Papa, in all of us that we may be light indeed in the midst of the fear all around us, drawing people to Jesus by His peace within us!

I close with Paul's words in 1 Timothy 6:17-19, which are wonderfully fitting for these times. "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."

Learning to fly...

Tom, one of Abba's little children