High inflation.
Impending recession.
Market uncertainty.
High cost of capital.
These are all reasons that a Christian business leader could be afraid, discouraged, weak and defeated in these times.
But God's word says something different, as it often does. In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord says "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
The temptation is to read past those words without letting them sink in. The temptation is to treat economic forecasts, financial projections, and news reports about what is going to happen as "more true" than the words written in Isaiah 41:10. But they aren't.
If we have a "Q & A session" with this verse, look at what it says:
Q: Why shouldn't we be afraid?
A: FOR I AM WITH YOU.
Q: Why shouldn't we be discouraged?
A: FOR I AM YOUR GOD.
Q: Why shouldn't we feel weak?
A: I WILL STRENGTHEN AND HELP YOU.
Q: How can we possibly win in these times?
A: I WILL HOLD YOU UP WITH MY VICTORIOUS RIGHT HAND.
He is with you. He is your God. He will strengthen and help you. He will hold you up with His victorious right hand.
Notice in this passage what our reaction to fear and uncertainty is supposed to be...and it's to trust Him. When things get "real" - real pressure, real questions, real uncertainty - our response is to trust in what is "more real" - God.
Sometimes it's hard to live in that trust all alone. That's why it's important to surround yourself with like-minded Christian business leaders, like those who meet in an FCCI Business Leader Group.
It's a good idea to meditate on Isaiah 41:10 today. Let's all pray for that level of trust in Him that can serve as an anchor in times of uncertainty.
"Don't be afraid...", instead choose to trust in Him.