Television news, magazines, and newspapers are all screaming that the economy is tanking. Reports of plant closings, layoffs, and escalating gas prices are everywhere. Fear abounds – even in the church.
But we who believe in the Lord Jesus can abound during times like this, and be a blessing to hurting people. How?
Sow in famine. Look at Isaac:
There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. . . (Genesis 26:1-3 NKJV).
Egypt is a type of the world system. Isaac was tempted to go to the world system for provision during a period of widespread lack. The Lord told him not to do it. “Stay in the Kingdom of God system and I’ll bless you,” He essentially said.
So what did Isaac do? He sowed when everyone around him was hording seed!!
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. (Genesis 26:12-14 NKJV).
A Christian who participates in the world system will stop tithing and sowing in times of lack. That’s a big mistake. In times of widespread lack, we who seek first the Kingdom of God need to keep tithing. We need to keep sowing our financial seed. We must pray and find what ministries the Lord wants us to support, and sow our seed. We need to be led about what people He wants us to give to, and sow our seed (maybe by buying someone a tank of gas). Then we need to water our seed with thanksgiving and praise. Even in the midst of famine, we’ll reap a hundredfold and become very prosperous!!
So in a time of lack – sow!! And give the Lord all the glory when He prospers you!