Keep on Keepin' on

dTurn at Turned Out posted a great article from Pastor Steven Furtick, of Elevation Church, in North Carolina, on winning souls during the current economic crisis. His basic message is don't back down now on whatever outreach you might be doing, because now is the perfect time to draw others to God:

"This is NOT the time for the church to huddle up in the bunker and wait for the end of the world.  In Joshua 3, God led His people across the Jordan during the flood stage.  Practically speaking, it was the worst possible time for them to cross over.  But from the standpoint of faith, why not cross over during flood season?  Flood season and harvest time go hand in hand.  And the higher the waters, the greater the opportunity for God to show off when He brings us through. 

...

We can’t back down.  It’s harvest time!  People are more ripe than ever to embrace the certainty of Christ, as the earthly things that seemed so certain are shaking and quaking. And God will resource us to reach them with the Gospel as we keep our eyes on Him."

I may sound naïve.  But I’d rather be naïve than faithless. God’s faithless children are confined to wandering in the wilderness of intimidation.

Those who look to Him in times of scarcity and press ahead will see His provision, His favor, and His miraculous, abundant supply.

Don’t back down!"

I agree with the pastor that now is the time to feel encouraged about leading others to the Lord. People are losing large sums of money from retirement accounts and other money stashes that rely on the stock market. Others may be facing reposessions or having to sell off valuables to pay bills or just to get by. As material things begin to disappear, there will be many a person looking for substance, for meaning in life, floating roughly in rapids of confusion without any kind of boat or life preserver. We need to let them know that Jesus is an A-rated life vest for overcoming the seemingly unsurmountable challenges that life will always throw at us.

Please take a moment to read Pastor Furtick's article if you have been feeling down about the economy, and pass on to anyone else who might need to hear this positive message. And pray for the artists we enjoy and others who are bringing The Word to the people. 

For additional words of encouragement, check out dTurn's thoughts on what he learned during a recent blog fast here, here and here.