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Many in our EQUIP circle of friends and network of partners have been - and continue to be - hit hard by these pesky and perilous economic times. Several have been knocked down by these challenging times - but refuse to be knocked out.
As we juggle the economy with our hands, our feet can simultaneously find themselves in the sinking sands of poor health, the loss of a loved one, a marital crisis or a wayward child. In short, an ailing economy is no respecter of some of the other "tough things" life always seems to bring our way. While I'm optimistic about life, I also try to live my life realistically...and realistically, I know that there are a lot of folks that are struggling right now.
If life right now is particularly hard for you, and you've been knocked down, here are a few true things that encourage me - and I hope they encourage you:
1. God cares about you. No matter how bad things are, God cares. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:7). The care of God includes, but isn't limited by, the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross. If you ever wonder if God cares about you, remember the supreme sacrifice of God the Father and God the Son!
2. God cares about the big things. Our tendency is to focus on the immediate. All the while though, God is orchestrating the entirety of our lives. We tend to look at one difficult piece of the puzzle while God sees the whole picture. We want to peer through the black and white telescope; God sees it all in panoramic color.
3. God cares about the little things. He cares about the things in your life which only you or a few really know about. He cares about your day-to-day situation. He cares about your financial situation, your transportation needs, your loneliness, your insecurities, and your struggles.
A story is told about an artist who begins to paint a picture. But the first strokes on the canvas make no sense at all. There is no order, form nor clarity. Another stroke is added here or there. The artist spends hours at the canvas, yet, it's still without form, still without beauty. However, after a while, the picture begins to take shape. Finally, the artist finishes. As you see the painting from the distance, you remember what it first looked like. You couldn't understand it. It didn't make sense. But now, it's a thing of beauty. And in the corner? The signature of the artist!
Life is tough right now - especially in the financial arena. But God cares. He cares about the big things and the little things of your life. And while in the present, things may not make a lot of sense, our Lord and Artist is creating a beautiful picture of lives being tested and transformed to bring Him great, great glory.
You may have been knocked down, but if you know the Lord, you'll never be knocked out!
John Hull
President/CEO of EQUIP
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