Is God in this Current Crisis?

by Patrice Tsague, RCE Partner

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Declining stock value, foreclosures, bankruptcies, rising unemployment, etc. The current global economic crisis makes you wonder where God is in all of this. Has God abandoned His creation? Is this the end time?

Whether or not these are the end times, the reality is that God is with us. He is looking for His ambassadors to represent him in these times (2 Chronicles 16:9a). He has entrusted the work of His hands to His people. Psalm 8:6 tells us that we have the legal right and authority to take dominion over His creation. In Genesis we learn about a time in biblical history when the world faced an economic crisis worse than this one, but God had prepared a man named Joseph to respond and take authority over the situation (Genesis 41:57).

Where are the Josephs of our times? Unfortunately, today many of God's people are afraid. They are just as anxious over the current crisis as the heathen. In some cases, the world cannot tell the difference between the children of God and non-believers. Many of God's children have bought into an economic worldview that is worldly and secular. They have blended in with the world; they have lost their savor (see Matthew 5:13).

Biblical history shows that God's people in the marketplace can retain a vital role in preserving the earth in times of crisis:

1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

2. God creates man in His image and His likeness. (Genesis. 1:26)

3. God gives man dominion over His creation. (Genesis 1:26b-28)

4. Man violates God's command. Sin enters God's creation. (Genesis 3:6)

5. God does not take away the gift of dominion from man. (Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 11:29)

6. Two groups now seek to take dominion over the works of God's hand. (Genesis 4:1-5)

• Those who reject God and continue to walk in disobedience to God.
• Those who have repented of their sin and returned back to God.

7. Man develops an economic system to exercise the gift and responsibility of his dominion
mandate. (Psalm 8, Genesis 41:37 - 41)

• Those who reject God are the ones who
  control the macro economy (the overall
  economic system).
• Those who are obedient to God have the opportunity to develop micro economies (how
  we govern our lives, our homes, our businesses and the industries we are a part of) that model God's intent and influence the macro economy.

The current crisis is the result of the failure of believers to influence the macro economy. God is right here with us. His purposes will be done through us, His people, as we reject fear and know that we are here, even in turbulent times, to advance His kingdom.

Spend some time this week renewing your mind to the scriptures that promise God's establishment of your work and well-being, even during crises. Related Scriptures: Psalm 33: 18-19; II Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:5.

Patrice Tsague is the founder of Nehemiah Project International Ministries (NPIM)