Surviving in a bad economy

Steve Lyston, Contributor

Survival is the order of the day for all; especially for those who have family members dependent on them financially. There is a grave lack of employment, and a serious lack of political will, from all political angles, to help to address the global economic problems many in the world are facing today, There are more persons fighting for sexual rights than are the rights of the poor. Fear has gripped many and are being coerced to compromise for survival.

Remember, your current situation or state does not matter, you can bounce back. There is always hope. Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation. Suicide is not an option. Whether it is job loss, divorce, family feuds or debt - there is always hope. Nothing in life remains the same, the earth is always spinning; and in the same way that day turns into night, night will become day once again!

According to Ecclesiastes 3: we go through 29 different times and seasons; so although there are times we will have loss and tears, there are times we will have abundance, gain, joy and financial peace!

Never look at your temporary situation to determine where you are going. Always look by faith, not by sight. Why do you think that many financial institutions will soon be out of business? It is they always use your present situation to make a financial decision. When a person is going through hard times and have lost their job, how can they maintain a salary? Furthermore, how do they maintain a high credit rating? So the bottom-line policy of financial institutions is to sink you while you're down. Why would you only maintain a relationship with somebody for only the good times? The trust test of any relationship is your willingness to stand with someone through the bad times, and then come out on the other side together and grow from there. Unless, of course, a relationship is not what these institutions were after in the first place. So what is happening is that financial institutions are losing clients/customers daily. But won't it be interesting to see what they will do when the customers they lose now, experience a positive financial turnaround in the very near future.

There Is Hope

Always remember, in hard times there is always hidden potential in you that you can only discover during that period of adversity. There is always something in you that can bring major changes, regardless of how small that something may seem, that can write off your debts. (II Kings 4) Exercise your faith! God always cares for the vulnerable and provides for the outcast. His provision is proportionate to the measure of your faith!

Always be open-minded during times of adversity to receive help from unusual sources. Never set your mind in one area. God's blessings are always found in the muddy places. (II Kings 5)

Always be among positive people who will unleash your faith, bring out your hidden potential and change your environment.

Always remember that when one door closes, there is the potential for greater doors to open that can expand your influence, your networking and your talent.

Never let fear tell you that you can't survive without that job.

Remember, God is your source, not your job.

Use the period you are going through as a time of reflection; it has the potential to cause you to look at things differently and realise what was in you all along. It also opens your eyes to see who truly are your supporters and your friends.

Interestingly, one preacher pointed out that there are three kinds of 'friends' and it is something to think about. The three types of friends are: comrades, constituents and confidants.

Comrades are with you for the benefits of being with you, but once better comes they are gone!

Constituents are with you only for what they can get from you.

Confidants will stand with you in good times and bad!

For all you former corporate individuals who were forced out and no longer have the access you once had, or who are not welcomed to go golfing, shooting or sailing anymore, don't give up and don't be discouraged. Greater things are ahead of you. You are not finished! A new chapter in your life is just beginning.

Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'The New Millionaire'.