Fear or Hope? It’s Your Choice.

Read this fascinating article this morning from TechCrunch on the challenges of our current economic situation. In it, the writer quoted Steve Larsen, veteran CEO and currently co-founder of Krugle:

“I think the doom and gloom crowd are getting too much airtime. Look for opportunities. Difficult times are when they’ll most likely occur. When we’re at ‘steady state’ and things are normal, good opportunities are much harder to find with GREAT opportunities nearly impossible. It is during periods of tumult and transition when you can spot things that lead to the greatest returns—if you are alert. So be alert.”

The writer goes on to challenge business leaders with this:

“If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it, is the surest path to obsolescence. Equally, swinging the axe without accuracy and grace will also send you packing. Constraint forces and inspires creativity. Operate not from fear, but from vision, determination, and ingenuity.”

This article was written for business leaders, but hopefully you are embracing the same tactic in your ministry. The economic situation our world is facing offers an incredible opportunity for the church. We should be rejoicing. Our message of hope is clearly distinct from what the rest of culture is communicating right now. People are craving what we have to offer. We should celebrate because “constraint forces and inspires creativity” within the church as well.

“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (I Peter 3:13-15)

We can’t be slaves to fear. We need to demonstrate that we our set apart. Our message is unique. Our hope is unique. We have what others want desperately in their souls. Now is the time for the church to inspire, capture people’s attention and share the good news that we have to offer. And we can embrace that mission because our God is:

“Able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (Eph. 3:20-21)

He was our God before this economic crisis, and he still is our God. That’s why we have hope. It’s not fake hope. It’s real hope for real people dealing with real challenges.

Be alert. Pray for opportunity. Now is not the time for fear. Now is the time for hope.