Recession, inflation, and economic hard times have been with mankind since the
beginning of time. They are not new situations demanding new solutions. Biblical
answers for dire economic conditions appear early in book of Genesis: "And there was a
famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham..." (Genesis
26:1). During this difficult time, God gave Abraham’s son, Isaac, specific instructions to
follow in order to prosper. These are principles which you can adopt during your own
times of financial famine.
-Remain faithful to biblical principles. Many believers become inconsistent in times of
economic pressure, growing lax about their personal devotions, their giving, and their
church attendance. Deviating from these basic principles only creates more problems.
The Lord told Isaac that He would bless him because his father, Abraham, "...obeyed my
voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws" (Genesis 26:5).
God blessed Abraham because he walked faithfully in God’s ways regardless of the
circumstances of life and he looked to God as his Source. God directed Isaac to follow
Abraham’s example so that he would prosper, despite the famine.
-Do not follow the pattern of the world. Because of the famine in Israel, everyone was
leaving for Egypt, where they heard things were better economically. But the Lord had a
different plan for Isaac. He told him: ... "Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which
I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and I will bless thee... "
(Genesis 26:2-3). Most of the time if you look at what the world is doing and then do the
opposite, you will be in harmony with God's plans because the principles of the Kingdom
of God are usually opposite those of the world. In times of crisis, do not look around and
do what others are doing.
-Remain in the center of God’s will. Remember that God can bless you in any location,
so remain where He has placed you unless He directs you to do otherwise. "Blessed shalt
thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field" (Deuteronomy 28:3). In
economically hard times, do not make any move--geographically or financially--without
God’s specific guidance. Even though you might hear rumors of prosperity in other
locations, do not move without God's direction. Remain in His will, and--like Elijah--
move only at His command.
-Sow generously during the famine. Isaac remained where God directed him and ...
"sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed
him" (Genesis 26:12). Sow generously into God's work during times of financial famine
and you will reap an abundant harvest.
God established these strategies of biblical economics in a time when dark clouds of
adversity loomed on the horizon. Isaac followed these principles and was blessed. He
prospered, despite the famine--and so can you!
PRAYER:
My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.