Three keys to survive in this Economic Depression

And she said, As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. 

And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son" (1 Kings 17:12-13). 

Available economic indices point to the fact that most parts of the world are facing challenging times today. Economic depression is a reality many countries have to contend with at this time. As it is with nations, so it is that many individuals are contending with harsh times. But the Spirit of God wants us to know that it is possible to not only survive a period of economic depression but to also flourish in the midst of it. Here are a few tips to help us. 

First, in times economic depression, we must learn to look up. In our passage for today, Elijah met the widow gathering sticks. She definitely was looking down without any hope that things would get better. Elijah called her and in giving him attention, she had to lift herself and look up. The purpose of depression is to keep you down by making you look down. Your soul is downcast, your head is down, and the pictures you see at that level are those of hopelessness and impossibility. But you must look up and keep looking up to the brighter prospects that life could offer if you are going to survive depression and triumph over it. To look up is to have a positive attitude in the midst of depression. It is to keep up hope. 

Secondly, give service, and after you have served, serve more. Naturally, times of depression could make you become selfish, looking out only for your personal interests. This is understandable because resources are dwindling and replenishment is nil. Therefore, people naturally tend to hoard the little they have. So this widow was going to do what every normal person would do. But Elijah taught her this principle, that you should not do the natural if you will survive depression and even flourish in the midst of it. She learned that she must prioritize serving others. Thus the woman put her mind into service rather than giving it to worry. The result was that she never needed to worry again because the reward for her service generated adequate sustenance for her and those with her all through the years of depression. 

Finally, believe God! Elijah spoke the word of the Lord to this woman and she believed both the Lord and His servant by whom He spoke the words. The aspect of faith is important because she was required to believe what was clearly a natural impossibility. But you see, we must understand that faith in God is real, even in the business world. If you will listen, many Christian businessmen will tell you how the application of their faith in God has helped them navigate difficult terrains in their businesses. Faith in God and trusting His words can bring you a definite turnaround in the time of depression. Don't forget that God is higher than the depression we might be going through and He has the power to change things in our favour. The word of God remains in force: "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" (2 Chronicles 20:20)