The News #18

Nobody knew whether or not the government should intervene in the economy last fall except for God. God knew exactly what to do. He always does. And this is what He told us about the economy a long, long time ago. “In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day” (Deut. 8:16-18 NASB).

Would anyone else care to join me in a slice of humble pie? Yes, our ancestors figured certain things out. Those things are important. They do help to create and spread wealth. But ultimately it all depends on the blessing of God. No human has a complete understanding of what to do and when to do it. We used to sing a little song every Sunday in church when I grew up that hit the bull’s eye every time. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Where in the world did that song come from? From the same ancestors who figured out some of what we need to know to have a good economy. It seems like they also knew how much they didn’t know.

So let’s be humble and let us each and every one engage in the most vital economic stimulus of all. Let us do something Allan Greenspan may not know anything about. Let us do something that Tim Geithner may not be factoring into his plans at the treasury department. Let us pray to God for wisdom for all of our leaders at all times.

(If you haven’t started the habit of praying for members of our government you see on the news who consistently irritate you then you need to do three things. Go back and read the first few postings under “The News” topic. Repent for not “doing the word” the first time you read it. And then start praying every time you are exposed to the news.)