‘ But He promises to be with us through it all , good or bad times …’
‘ Living a simple life has its plusses . We begin to value more our relationships with family and friends . Watching the sun go down on the horizon or taking a stroll at a local beach resort with our loved ones does not cost much . But the shared experience means a lot .’
Let ' s now consider another example of famine in the Bible . When famine struck the ancient world , Joseph ’ s brothers came down to Egypt to buy grain . Unknown to them , God had already prepared way ahead for their needs to be met through Joseph , the influential governor of Egypt , second in rank to Pharaoh . This reflects the foreknowledge of a faithful God . Has it ever crossed our minds that God has our welfare at heart all the time ( Jeremiah 29:11 )?
Guided earlier by divine wisdom , Joseph had built storehouses to stockpile grain — with the blessing of Pharaoh after interpreting the king ’ s dream that seven years of famine would follow seven years of plenty . This ample provision of grain met the needs of the Egyptians and Joseph ’ s brothers ( Genesis 41 : 53-57 ).
May we learn from this story as we prepare for end-time global economic crisis . To insist that believers will continue to experience effortless success , that good times will continue to roll , is being naïve . This kind of teaching makes people with “ itching ears ” feel good .
Notice that God does not shield His children from famine or trials . He does not remove tribulation from the life of believers : “ I have said these things to you , that in me you may have peace . In the world you will have tribulation . But take heart ; I have overcome the world ” ( John 16:33 ).
But He promises to be with us through it all , good or bad times ( Hebrews 13:5b , Matthew 28:20b ). God ’ s faithfulness , coupled with obedience on our part — proactively preparing for hard times , like Joseph — will help us to ride out the storm of economic uncertainty .
PRACTICAL TIPS Financial crisis impresses upon us the need to live simple lives . As they say , the party is over . It ’ s belt-tightening time . When a RM500 local holiday in Pulau Redang will do , why fly off to Mauritius and spend RM3,000 ? Take time to unwind at the park with our family over a picnic . Learn to eat in , which may be a healthier option , rather than splurge on dinners in fancy restaurants .
A simple lifestyle frees us from the need to keep up appearances . Why do we need to match the latest flashy SUV parked at our neighbour ’ s driveway ? After all , a man ’ s worth is not tied to his material possessions .
Living a simple life has its plusses . We begin to value more our relationships with family and friends . Watching the sun go down on the horizon or taking a stroll at a local beach resort with our loved ones does not cost much . But the shared experience means a lot .
If good times fail to teach us , then bad times will force us to live within our means . We learn to cut our coat according to our cloth . No matter how much we possess , if expenditure exceeds income , we will be in a quandary . Maxing out several credit cards to service our debts does not make sense as the interest rates charged are high .
It would have been better to live below our means . By simplifying our lifestyle , we reach the goal of financial freedom more rapidly compared to living within our means . Getting that monkey ( debt burden ) off our back empowers us , enabling us to give undivided attention to serving others .
Some may be forced to drastically reassess their spending habits and bite the bullet . The downturn is a wake-up call for them to rein in their spending like never before .
We also need to look beyond our own needs . Troubled times present an excellent window of opportunity to reach out to the needy within the church and community — but only if modern-day Josephs are willing to rise up to the occasion .
It is not all doom and gloom as financial turmoil casts a pall over our future . What is positive is that most will learn how to be leaner and wiser , more proactive and resilient .
Dr Lim Poh Ann is a medical practitioner . He is the former editor of Asian Beacon magazine ( December 2008 – October 2011 ). He can be reached at his blog , Porridge for the Soul : limpohann . blogspot . com
ASIAN BEACON 48 # 1 December 2016 - January 2017 31