Just like today, there were times in history when there was Great Recession in the economies of nations; moments of uncertainty, when it was everyone to himself or herself for survival.
Today, stock markets are crashing, and the prices of commodities at the International markets are falling to all-time low; causing financial hardships across the globe. While we may be feeling the heat extremely now, there were times in history when things were in hotter.
Sometime in Egypt, there was an economic problem that was occasioned by famine. It was so bad in those days that the people were giving out their lands for food. In fact, money failed at a point – because money could not guarantee survival of the majority anymore – “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.” (Genesis 47:15)
If you know the story quite well, you will remember that as the people were complaining and giving up their lands and themselves for food, Pharaoh was getting bigger and richer. The truth is, in every recessive economy, where there are acute uncertainties, some people get stronger and richer, while a whole lot of people get weaker and poorer. The question then is, “How was Pharaoh richer and bigger in those times?” The answer is not far-fetched. If you read the preceding chapters of that books of Genesis, you will see how Pharaoh had a dream before the famine; and how his dream was interpreted (analyzed) by the man called Joseph, who eventually became the Prime Minister of Egypt.
If you want to be very sincere with yourself, you would admit that Pharaoh survived the uncertain and turbulent recessive time through revelation. God opened his eyes to see the opportunities around him and to take advantage of them. While it is true that the economic environment at the moment is recessive and uncertain, what you see and how you see things will determine your survival.
For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” says the LORD of hosts, that will leave them neither root nor branch.
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and grow fat like stall-fed calves. (Malachi 4:1-2)
While some people will be burnt up by the heat of the uncertainty and economic recession, some will grow fat like stall-fed calves. Isn’t that serious? Nothing changes, until an external force is applied to it; and you may not experience this growth or riches, until you allow the force of the Sun of Righteousness to arise on you, opening you up to endless opportunities for growth, services and leadership.
If you read the book of Genesis 21:14-21, you will see how Hagar and her son survived the uncertain turbulent moment they were after they were driven out of the land of Canaan. At a point, Hagar was expecting her child to die of thirst and hunger; so she place the boy away from herself to cry alone, while she was equally expecting death. However, God came to their rescue!
“And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.
Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.
Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad to drink.” (Genesis 21:17-19)
Until you eyes is opened to opportunities begging for attention around you, you may continue to wait for death or sack or retrenchment wherever you are. It is God’s revelation that makes a man or woman to survive difficult moments in life. God had opened the eyes of many, and you must ask Him to open your own eyes too. You see, when God open your eyes, you may end up becoming a solution to the problem you are currently facing in your business, organization, family or nation. It is revelation that separates kings from their people and it is revelation that separates leaders from followers. For a man can only hope for what he sees. And until you hope for a thing, you do not deserve it.
