ICS Daily Devotions
The Prolonged Perfect Storm
Matthew 6:26 (NKJV) Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
“Do you have enough finances to retire comfortably?”, or “Do you need more money for retirement in view of the current rate of inflation?”. These are questions that you may have asked yourself or others have asked you, and suddenly, you may be concerned and worried that your savings might not be able to provide the kind of lifestyle that you want after retirement. Maybe, you are concerned because of the bear market and all your investments are underperforming or have even lost much of their value. The property, technology, and educational sectors have all suffered recently, and many people are caught off guard by the poor performance in their basket of investments, and you are in a state of concern. Instead of worrying, however, perhaps we need to adjust, live simply and manage our expectations in this current state of global environment and brace ourselves for this prolonged perfect storm. We should be thankful that we were well provided for during the good years.
The physiological need is the most basic need as reflected in the opening passage, and God will meet the need. However, God may not answer our prayers based on what we want, but what we need. Also, the problem with some of us is that we are reluctant to do jobs that we deem as too menial because of our pride. In fact, it is alright to take any job if we are hard pressed between the rock and a hard place as long as it is an honest income, because it is still God’s provision.
Many of us have built our identity around our job, the position that we hold and the MNC that we work for. We tell ourselves that’s who we are and where our identity is. The thing is these jobs and positions might not be available forever especially when the economic environment changes. If there is a job that is out of the way, and it is a local company with a smaller pay package, should we give up the offer even when it might be a way of God to provide for us, though it might hurt our ego? Of course not! Sometimes, God allows such a situation to come into our lives to mould our character, and help us change our identity and priorities in life.
There is a very therapeutic activity to ease our anxieties about tomorrow, which is to take a walk in the park and reflect on what Jesus said in this passage. Look at the sparrows, the lilies, the ants, and all the creatures that God has created! If God has been providing for all of them from the time of creation till now, how much more will God look after our needs when we are on earth? God expresses His perfect love through His actions.
Sermon Series: Having Trouble
