A Christian Working Woman in God's Economy
by Krista Dunk
During these uncertain economic times, many Christians are asking themselves (and God) lots of questions. I myself know many Christian business owners who are feeling economic strain right now. Newspapers, TV, websites, and every other news source proclaims fear and depressing financial news on a daily basis.
Should we be listening to all the doom and gloom on the news and believing/internalizing what reporters and leaders say? Or should we be trusting in what God's Word says? We really cannot do both, as that is being double-minded. Jesus spoke in the book of John about believers being in the world, but not of the world.
So what does that mean for believers in the financial realm? Are we a part of the world's economy? My answer would be yes, and no.
We always have two options - to view things from a natural, worldly prospective, or from a faith perspective. In the natural right now, there is turmoil, fear, negativity, lack, and a feeling of helplessness that is spiraling downward. In the Spirit, we have access to a different viewpoint and a different power that gives hope, peace, the promise of a good future, and creativity. Now is the time to build yourself up in faith, skill and wisdom.
If you are a Christian business person, right now (like everyday) it is imperative to seek God for direction. Build up your faith by meditating on His Word, fellowship with other strong believers, pray, sing worship to God, and seek God's voice and direction.
Fasting and prayer together is a powerful way to hear from the Lord. Ask Him for creativity, ideas and new perspective. Ask Him to connect you with strategic people and resources that will not only sustain you, but also propel you to a new level.
Ask Him to reveal the vision of His purposes, how that applies for you, and what the next step is. These are all things God wants you to have. God wants you to seek His wisdom. His provision and abundance has absolutely nothing to do with worldly economic conditions.
During this seeking process, you may even discover a brand new direction that He is leading you towards. Something else might be in store for the next phase of your journey.
There have been times in my own life, when God shut the door on something - hard! He allowed a success in it for a while, then He clearly showed me, "This is not how you should be spending your time. This is not what I have for you. Its time to move on." Thank God He did that! This is where trust comes in to play.
Although I was disappointed and didn't understand at the time, I did trust that He knows what's best. Some of us tend to hang onto things a bit too long even when God's favor has clearly left. We try to force something to happen in our own power, and that ends up being hard, frustrating and unsatisfying. Been there... done that!
Be encouraged! God's purpose will be fulfilled in the earth. He will give you your daily bread. In the world we will have troubles but Jesus has left His peace for us to depend on. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.
Trust God as your good Father, provider and business partner. Let us not be conformed to this world or its worries, but let's renew our minds daily with His Word and His voice.
