I believe that the times we live in are unusual times that require a new mindset. Some experts have predicted that the economic recession will last up till 2018, and possibly beyond 2018. These predictions imply that no matter what pains and losses we have suffered, we must gear up on how best we can survive and overcome these present times.
A NEW MINDSET
One way to survive the present times is to have a new mindset, i.e. a new way of thinking. When the prodigal son squandered all his wealth, he came to the point of self-awareness of his mistakes and then he thought differently on how to survive. He returned to his father to ask for forgiveness. If the economic situation has changed for the worse for you then, brace up and face reality, and think of alternative ways to survive. Think of what next to do. Pastors Jooji Tor and Okey Ezeobi have taught us about some alternative economic investments and steps we could take to survive. So, in this series, I intend to focus on scriptural steps we have to take to survive the economic recession, rather than repeat what they have said.
ASK GOD FOR WISDOM
A way of surviving the present times is to start by asking God for wisdom. We need wisdom on how to survive. We need wisdom on the right steps to take and wisdom on what next to do. Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom creates wealth. Wisdom brings you to the limelight. Wisdom will help you take advantage of any opportunities that you see.
Wisdom comes in two ways. First, wisdom is a gift from God. Secondly, you get wisdom through experience, through reading, and exposure. (Proverbs 8:12; 10:13). Whichever way you may choose, you have to seek for wisdom deliberately. I believe you need the wisdom to turn around your situation in this economic recession.
THE EXAMPLE OF SOLOMON
The Bible teaches that Solomon was not born with supernatural wisdom, but received it as a gift from God. That brought him recognition, respect, wealth, and fame. God exceptionally endowed him after an encounter in a dream. God appeared to Solomon in a dream and challenged him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” In response, the king reminded God that he was a little, inexperienced child, who did not “know how to go out or come in…Therefore give to your servant an understanding heart to judge your people that I may discern between good and evil…” God was pleased with Solomon’s request. Because of his humility and request God said to him, “Behold, I have done according to your words; see I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honour, so that there shall not be and one like you among the kings all your days.”
THE EVIDENCE OF SOLOMON’S WISDOM
As a result of God’s blessings on Solomon, his reign turned out to be one of the greatest in Israel, and he displayed such unparalleled depth of wisdom in his judgments. The evidence of his wisdom stretched to various human endeavor and disciplines. It extended to the field of architecture, the arts, music, poetry, science, astronomy, to mention a few. The fame of his wisdom led him to great accomplishments. “Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. FOR he was wiser than all men – than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Herman, Chalcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five. And he spoke of trees. And men of all nations, from all kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the Wisdom of Solomon” (1 Kings 4:30-34).
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA
The fame of Solomon attracted many renowned personalities from different nations, one of which was the Queen of Sheba. When the queen visited with her retinue of staff, what she saw was breathtaking; she was so overwhelmed that she could hardly hold back her emotions. Listen to her testimony, “Then she said to the king: ‘It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However, I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes, and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard…Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD has loved Israel forever, therefore he made you king, to do justice and righteousness” (1 Kings 10:6-9).
Supernatural wisdom brought fame, honour and prosperity to King Solomon. In these lean times, we need the Wisdom of Solomon to survive. The good thing is that God gave Solomon wisdom when he asked for it. God can also give us wisdom if we ask him to.
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