Some political leaders have indicated that the current financial crisis should not be wasted. I could not agree more. But, with a very different purpose and outcome.
I am reminded of Joseph and his response to his brothers.
Genesis 50:19-21
"But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them."
I believe these words apply to us today. In times of uncertainty, the difficultly and stress of losing a job or any other type of financial pressure can cause us to react in several different ways.
It is very easy to allow the news of the day or the stock market drop to influence our moods and interactions with our children. They see us in these times just as when all is "good." They are observing our walk, seeing how we interact with life. Whether they realize it or not, they are checking to see if we live what we tell them. As a father and as someone who ministers to children, I am humbled by my responsibility to them.
It should not take a "crisis" to drive us to our knees. It should not take the pressure of the economy to force us into reaching out to grasp his hand. Or in making us pursue the relationship with him (that will calm our internal storm) so we can look into their eyes... and they can see us live what we say. But, often it does and thus becomes our opportunity of crisis.
So, now we are living and facing a financial turning point in this country. Of course, it is really much deeper than money issues, but that is a different topic. Here is where the agreement with the politicians comes in. We do have an opportunity in this crisis. We as parents and individuals can reach out and let God give us the words and the resolve to live as an example to the next generation. We take hope in the words that Joseph spoke "but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Make no mistake, we are fighting for our children.
This crisis is an opportunity to save many lives. Our children's lives.
Definition: opportunity
noun ( pl. -ties)
a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something
As I gather my family in the evening before bedtime to pray. I understand this is another opportunity to show them the faith and trust in God they need in their own lives. As we walk down the daily path of our life, we should be strengthened and do something that will save ourselves and our children.
