The Commerce Bank Review

Too often we react to events around us without understanding what is really happening and why. Over-reaction is the norm, and in nearly any crisis the sequence of events is predictable—alarm, temporary panic, then apathy and disinterest.

We tend to look at the future with anxiety and worry. God says that worry is a sin. What is worry? Taking on a responsibility that belongs to someone else.

Unlike the majority of the population (who are not attuned to God’s financial plan), we don’t have to worry about circumstances. God has revealed in His Word what has happened and will happen. Parts of the Bible are history, parts are current events, and portions of it are prophecy. Through His Word God tells us what to expect in this economy and how to respond.

I did say respond as opposed to react. When we respond to something, we bring in the information, check it against known values, and act accordingly. When we react to something, we bring it in, amplify whatever we receive, and put it back out. That is not what God wants for us.

As we look at the economy today and where it may be headed tomorrow, we need to view it from God’s perspective. The most important part of that perspective is the imminent return of Christ. When we hear that Christ may return during our time, we say that we believe it. But when God’s plan is beginning to be unveiled to us, many refuse to accept it.

Peter had just been imprisoned and was to be executed. The Christians who traveled with him had retreated to his house to pray. They stayed that entire evening, praying that God would release Peter unharmed.

Then God performed a miracle and Peter walked out of prison a free man. He went to where the small group was praying and knocked on the gate.

A young girl answered and swung open the gate. There stood Peter. Shocked at the sight of him, she rushed back to the group saying, “Come quickly, Peter stands at the gate!” And what did they do? They chided her. “No, Peter can’t be here,” they said. “We’re praying for him in prison.”

Nevertheless, there he stood. They had prayed for a miracle. God had granted their prayer, and yet they didn’t have enough faith to believe it.

Sometimes we are the same way. We say that we believe the second coming is near, but when we see the imminent signs, including the changing pulse of the economy, we refuse to accept it.