Prepared

The Great Depression had a devastating impact on families. In America, on average, the income of families dropped by 40 percent from 1929 to 1932. However, not everyone suffered. In fact, for many companies, these were the best of times.

As one analyst described, some companies realized that “consumers didn’t stop spending.” Rather, they just “looked for better deals, and the companies providing those better deals came out stronger after the Depression ended.” Many companies actually increased their market share during the Depression and emerged in a stronger position.

Even in good economic times, some people have a negative attitude. They are dominated by fear and worry. They are like the servant who hid his talent, afraid of what might happen. Instead, Jesus said we should be like the wise servants who invested what God gave them (Matthew 25:14-25).

The Bible teaches us to Sow with the “Seeds” God gives us. We’re to Sow constantly, in the morning and evening, “for you do not know which will prosper” (Ecclesiastes 11:6). God wants us to be like the virtuous wife who had no fear of winter for her household, for she had planned ahead and was prepared.

We can be assured that God is faithful to supply for His people. As David wrote: “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.” In fact, God calls us to be generous (Psalm 37:25-26).

Regardless of what you face today, renew your faith in God. Governments and politicians will come and go. Economic conditions will change. But God’s Word is true. His principles stand the test of time.

Always remember that you will Reap what you Sow (Galatians 6:7). Instead of being gripped by fear, remember the words of Jesus: “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full” (Luke 6:38).