Christian view is trust in God’s plan

March 28, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

On Feb. 17, President Barack Obama signed an $825 billion stimulus package and described it as “a major milestone on our road to recovery” from a national financial crises he earlier described as “unlike anything we’ve ever known.”

During an interview on C-Span, Congressman Paul Kanjorski said, “Someone threw us in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean without a life raft and we are trying to determine what’s the closest shore, and whether there is any chance in the world to swim that far.” Then he concluded emphatically, “We don’t know.”

For most Americans, that’s the unsettling fact: We just don’t know. We hope so; but with double digit asset losses and unemployment reaching millions, we don’t really know if it will work!”

Precisely for such times our Lord said, “Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. ... For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:25-34). It’s his reminder of a world view that can bring peace and stability during “perilous times.” Look at four components of this world view.

1. God has a plan. Divine intervention is woven throughout the fabric of our nation’s history. It might look like things are spinning out of control. But God has a plan and he will see that it happens. He will mysteriously integrate man’s self-determination with his sovereignty and his plan eventually will be “done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

God’s ultimate intention for us is to enjoy all this world’s good, minus sin, plus the literal presence of Jesus. And he is working it out in his own way and timetable. Banks may fail, Wall Street may crumble and bail-outs may become an unsavory order of the day. But a Christian world view reminds us that with our Heavenly Father there are no surprises, accidents, mistakes or missteps. His plan for our nation and for you, personally, will be accomplished. (Jeremiah 27:11 NV)

2. You are God’s priority. Political issues are crucial, environmental concerns are legitimate and economic interests must me confronted. But your well-being is God’s priority concern. It was Jesus who said: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered”… and sparrows will die. Yet not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. … Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew10: 29-31). He looks after the smallest details.

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us He not only knows our infirmities, He actually feels how you feel. (Hebrews 4:15). Saving the whales, sea turtles and global warming are important to God. But you are “the apple of God’s eye.” That’s a sensitive focus in my opinion and leaves little room for anxiety. Like the little boy said, “I know I’m worth a lot ’cause God don’t make no junk!”

3. God is, himself, our provider. During this crisis, one’s focus must be right. Scripture says, “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is he who giveth thee power to get wealth. …” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Your place of employment is only an instrument God is using to help you “get wealth.” But there are others. Although a work search and skills are important, God is, himself, the source. Should you lose your job, special prayer should be offered for an alternate stream of income; and God will provide it.

We did that for two men during a recent Sunday service. The following Wednesday one of them publicly testified he was offered not one, but three jobs. The second man said, “This might sound a little funny, but the same thing happened to me.” Companies, schools or city hall might lay you off. With a Christian world view, however, you can be confident, “God will take you on!” And when necessary, he will provide money you don’t have even from sources you don’t know anything about.

4. God’s promise is reliable. The prophet Habakkuk paints a bleak picture of people who are facing some tough times. Drought ruled like a tyrant and the pale of death covered the land, not unlike our own; except his was an agricultural economy. But he did not panic. His response was one of trust: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength” (Habakkuk 3:18, 19). He knew He could depend upon God. You see, God’s voice is clear in saying,” Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee.” (Psalms 50:15).

And the reassuring words of Jesus remind us, “Your father knoweth that ye have need of all these things “Therefore,” He counsels, “be not anxious saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or with what shall we be clothed?” Determine instead to “seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” If you will, Jesus promised “all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:32-34). That is the word of our Lord.

There are no quick fixes. Patience and a strong connection with God are indispensable. Your greatest hope for stability in the future is to live by a Christian world view. If you do, you will acknowledge God has a plan for this world and that he is working it out; that he will never forget or neglect you because you are his priority; that he will provide the necessities of life, and that his promises are reliable.

My friend, there is no need for you to be confused. God has a plan; no need to feel insignificant — you are his priority. No need to worry about what you will eat, drink or live — he provides.

And no need to be insecure; God’s promise is reliable. Now that’s a package that can stimulate confidence.

XThe Rev. Guy BonGiovanni, who holds a doctor of ministry degree from Logos Graduate School in Jacksonville, Fla., is president of Life Enrichment Ministries Inc., Canfield.