The Alliance eCommunity: The Alliance eCommunity -> Missions in Tough Economic Times

It's no secret. Our economy is heading southward and there's no quick, easy solution. Things are likely to get worse before they get better. What will be the impact of tough economic times when it comes to Alliance missions? Bringing international workers back to the homeland? Making major, ministry-impacting cuts in expenses? Being overwhelmed with fear, discouragement . . . even panic?

Historically some of the greatest advances of the Church of Jesus Christ have taken place during tough times. That's when we're forced to rely on God rather than ourselves (2 Corinthians 1:9b). Whether it's been the economy, government opposition, an opposing belief system, or the failure of Christian leaders, God has enabled strength to be birthed in his people in their times of intense distress and weakness.

Here are a words of hope for these challenging days:

THIS SITUATION IS NOT A SURPRISE TO GOD - "Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." (1 Chronicles 29:12).

EVEN WHEN OTHERS ARE OVERWHELMED BY WHAT'S HAPPENING, BY KEEPING OUR EYES ON THE ETERNAL WE CAN BE REVITALIZED DAILY IN THE MIDST OF THIS TEMPORARY TREND - " . . . we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light a momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

GOD CAN DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER DURING OUR MOST VULERABLE TIMES - "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power can rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness . . . in hardships . . . in difficultures. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

WE ARE TO BE PRAYERFUL, PEACE-FILLED HOPE BROKERS EVEN IN THE MOST TRYING OF TIMES - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

In tough times, solutions to longstanding problems are discovered. New, impactful models of ministry are developed. Bold faith risks are taken. In all of this, God prunes us in preparation for new growth.

In light of these tough economic times, what's the future of Alliance missions? Change is inevitable. Trust in the Lord of the harvest is intensifying. Calmness is prevailing. Our ears and hearts are inclined towards him. . .

BECAUSE "the God of all grace, who caled us to his eternal glory in Christ, after we have suffered a little while, will himself restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10-11)

For God's people and his work, there are difficult but great days ahead!