Hope in crisis...

Just over a year ago, this country received the invoice, due and payable, for its years of overspending and excessive debt. Millions have lost jobs and many now live in fear that we are beginning what might turn out to be a rerun of the “Great Depression.”

Looking at the approaching Advent Season and Year-End Inventories, it seems to me that leaders must become “Dealers in Hope.” I want to give you some handles for hope as we move forward.

This may well be an exciting time when it comes to the advance of God’s Kingdom. During a previous steep recession (1973-1976) we saw the beginnings of some of the greatest churches and ministries in America. Willow Creek Church near Chicago began in 1975. So were the Vineyard and Calvary Chapel movements. A few years later during the 1979-1983 recession, Saddleback Church began. Down economic times have frequently been up times for the Kingdom of God. This is not a time to fear, but to hope, and to anticipate what God will do in our time. Did you know that charitable giving (including church giving) did not decline during the Great Depression? Again, down times can be up time for God’s work.

I know that it will be a temptation to stop tithing. It will be a temptation to retrench or at least to not move forward in generosity. I urge you to resist that temptation, and to trust in God. There will be a special temptation to reduce giving in anticipation of what might happen—not because our income has actually declined. Please don’t give in to that temptation to sin. It really is sin because it’s a temptation to stop trusting in God to provide for now and for the future. It breaks the principle of living on what God’s provided, and giving at least 10% of income to kingdom causes. (See Malachi 3:8.)

While none of us would have wished for this time of difficulty, there is an opportunity for us, as God’s people, to model to the world that our faith is not just a ‘sunny day faith.’ Throughout the ages, it has been during times of crisis that God’s people have had the most impact. Let me challenge you to model with your life and lips by:

• Being a person of generosity while others are hoarding (John 3:16);
• Being consistent in faith while others are fearing (2 Timothy 1:7);
• Showing great love and concern for your friends and inviting them with you to church so they too can find hope (1 Peter 2:12).

Remember 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Jesus repeatedly reminded us to “Fear not!” This is a time to shine like beacons of HOPE in the midst of darkness.

Dr. David Robinson, EFC-MAYM Superintendent