Recently I had invited a guest speaker to share his research on the current economic trends and what secular economists are predicting about this country's future. It was very informative and especially encouraging when he told us about the personal experiences he went through during an economic downturn in another country. No one likes to hear about these things, but it does provoke prudence in the stewardship of our finances. It also acts as a reminder to not put our hope and trust in uncertain riches, but rather in the Lord (1 Tim. 6:17).

There is a two-edged sword, however, when it comes to predicting things about the "not so" positive economic forecast and the growing closeness of end-time events. The good part is that it reminds us that we are pilgrims on a temporary journey. The opposite part is that such news can create paralysis, anxiety, fretting, and fear about the future. The latter I wish to address.

As far back as the early church we see writings warning us about the return of the Lord and apocalyptic times. Paul the apostle addressed it, John wrote the Revelation about it, and many early church fathers believed it to be imminent. In the church of the 1900's, many preached that Jesus would return in their lifetime, yet they died and went on to be with the Lord. Many believed during WWII that Adolf Hitler was the antichrist. He was not. Thirty-seven years ago a preacher in the church I visited told me that Jesus was coming back and the kid sitting next to me said it could be that very night. I decided at that moment that now was a good time to get right with God and accepted Jesus into my life.

David Wilkerson, a prominent evangelist in the 70's, preached that the rapture could come at any moment. Another popular 70's and end-times expert, Hal Lindsey, had written a best-seller about the social, economic, political, and biblical signs of his day which led him to conclude that Jesus was coming back very soon. In the early 70's Henry Kissinger was believed to be the antichrist. He was not. In the late 70's significant men of God were predicting a serious economic crisis that perpetuated a movement of stockpiling food in the basement. It never came. In 1988, a book was distributed to all the churches in America. The title: "88 Reasons Why Jesus is Coming Back in '88." Many bought into it and did some fiscally irresponsible things. In my early years as a pastor, I sincerely believed and taught that Jesus would be back before 2000. This is 2009. I could go on, but you get the point.

The bottom line is that no one can guarantee, with complete accuracy, specific predictions regarding the economy or the coming events of the end-times. We can read the signs, the economic trends, and understand the "cause and effect" principle of what happens to a nation when debt gets out of control. It is obvious that previous decisions in the last administration and decisions being made in the current administration are creating definitive economic challenges for us down the pike.

But don't let these things take away your peace and joy. As Christians we don't have to live like that. We are told to not worry about tomorrow (Matt. 6:25-34). In reality you don't need a bad economy or the sudden appearance of the cataclysmic events of the Revelation to make life inconvenient and downright miserable. Anything can happen that's tragic enough to accomplish the same thing; a tornado, a fire, an accident, an earthquake, a tsunami, a hurricane, an unexpected doctor's report, and other tragic things have the potential to rob us of our peace and joy. So we must choose to live with the understanding and disposition Jesus encouraged us to have when he said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 (NIV).

My advice, therefore, is to make a mental note that challenging times do lay ahead of us and we should live as though Jesus could return at any moment. But in your living, keep on doing business until he comes. That was the message Jesus gave to us in the parable of the talents (Luke 19:13 NKJV). We must approach the future with optimism and take what has been given to us to work with and multiply it until he comes back.

In every bad economy there are two types of people: pessimistic victims and optimistic creatives. The pessimistic victims whine and scramble for cover; fretting, paralyzed, and worrying while they miss out on the opportunities availing them to find a niche and fill a need that thrives in hard times. Opportunities to build community in the church. Opportunities to reach the lost who have no hope. Opportunities to awaken the creative entrepreneur within us that believes there is still a buck to be made out there. With God's help, we can find a way, a place, and a product or service that is recession and depression proof.

So let's go forward as planned and are exhorted by scripture to maintain: i.e. to work, to trust God, to be frugal, to save, to give, to invest in our talents and vision, to maintain our peace and joy through Christ, to not fret over what tomorrow might bring, and go forward to advance the kingdom of God. Take one day at a time and enjoy God.

Every generation faces its own economic and soci-political challenges. But God is always good, always providential, always on the throne, and he will never leave us nor forsake us. Jesus has the final word and the best insight for times like these..."In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Dr. J