In these challenging and confusing times many people may be questioning God's sovereignty and pre-eminence in the universe. The question is not why this is happening. The question is: How are we, as Christians, demonstrating our faith to others in a time of great need and uncertainty.
Perhaps you heard the unbelievably tragic story of a husband and wife from Los Angeles, who both lost their jobs and decided to commit joint suicide. As horrific as that idea sounds, what came next was beyond belief: What to do with the children?
In a downward spiral of utter hopelessness, these unfortunate souls did what they thought would be best. Not wanting their children to be cared for by strangers, they decided to take them with them. That's right. They killed them -- and then they took their own lives.
As tough as it may be for those of us who have lost jobs or can't pay the mortgage or the light bill or the phone bill, we have to recognize that God has placed us here for such a time as this. What does the salt and light look like to a lost and hurting world at a time like this?
I'll tell you what it looks like: It looks like courage in the face of adversity; a peace that surpasses all understanding; and most importantly, like Christians love one another, genuinely.
Far from pretending everything is fine or the pain of job loss isn't as real for Christians as it is for non-Christians, the reality of the recession presents an opportunity to reach others who would never otherwise be open to receive Christ.
There is a sea of lost souls who know neither the truth of Heaven, nor the reality of Hell. Will your encouragement and example at a time of great need be a bridge that leads them to Christ?
As a Christian, you can be a light in the darkness during these extraordinary times; a light to Christians and non-Christians alike.
That's why in addition to calling those Christian friends you know are hurting, why not make an extra effort to call non-Christian acquaintances, co-workers and even strangers, and simply be a friend?
Pray and ask God to bring to mind the face of someone who could use a call from a friendly voice. When you call, tell them that God put them on your heart. That in itself could be a huge comfort.
Openly and actively decide to be an encourager to those around you -- especially those God brings to mind in prayer.
Be obedient to that divine nudge. When it comes, call them. Even if you don't know the person that well -- call them anyway. Your call, out of the blue, could be the only call this person gets that isn't from a bill collector.
To understand the power of encouragement you must understand the resurrection power of Christ manifested in you. You are His tool, created for His purposes.
Challenging times bring out the best in some and the worst in others. Those surrounded by friends and family and the support of a caring community will fair much better than those who are cut off, isolated, and alone.
Your call will not only make someone's day. It could save someone's life...and maybe even their soul.
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