Recession or Opportunity?
Check out Michael Pink’s comments today on the recession of 2008. I can’t tell you how strongly I feel about the notion that it is time to get out of debt. In fact, some recent interviews with people who have tremendous expertise in banking and law have led me to believe that this message isn’t only a passing spiritual fad.
My wife and I became strongly convicted about this several months ago, and I’ve shared the conviction in just a handful of conversations. But each time I do, I’m amazed at the responses I get — others not only feel the same way but are hearing it from a variety of sources.
What’s interesting is that we’re changing our level of expectation. We’re not just talking about paying down some consumer debt that accumulated. We’re talking about eliminating business debt, paying off the one car note we have, and even getting rid of the mortgage. We’ve shifted into “aggressive mode” and we are looking to have all of this done in just a few months — even if that means selling the house rather than paying off the mortgage. That’s how urgent we feel these instructions are, at least for us personally.
Recently, a friend of mine pointed out that in any market transition, fortunes are won and lost. In times of shift, opportunities emerge that simply cannot exist when the status quo predominates. Right now is a time to re-evaluate your business — and even those dormant ideas — and see if there isn’t a unique opportunity to deliver value or otherwise benefit from the changing conditions.
For who is God except the Lord? … He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. (Psalms 18:31,34)
We’re pressing in to Him right now to receive ways to do what would’ve seemed impossible a few months ago. How about you?
I’ve enjoying your e-mails everyday, and must say that I must be crazy about them, as I am in the process of terminating a new job(45 days) of 13 community associations mgmt ($40,000/yr) that is producing so much stress and anxiety in me that I’m losing weight & sleep over its details. I’ve got 3 weeks left on the payroll and they’ve starting looking for my re-placement.The bad thing is that I’m heavily in debt and that is adding to my frustration & anxiety.I call myself a Christian but I’m embarressed to say that I’ve got a little to much ego and cant leggo my ego.
But I do have three years experience in the real estate business and that is where I feel can make the most rapid progress against these burdensomes debts that plague my self and family. I’m am associated with Century 21 locally and my town is a desirable destination to live in SE NC.
I really am feeling upset over the entire situation and am leaning hard on God and His unfailing wisdom. He has proven to so many times in my life that Iam not alone and that HELOVESME
I’ve got a fine family that has been encouraging me to stay in the job. But I get such a bad feeling of overwhelming duties and time constraints of this new job it really feels like the hot place.
I argue with myself telling to put on my big boys shorties,& take the pain but the fact is I want to do it my way! Big trouble is I’m not sure if it GOD’S way:( Iknow that God lead me to the real estate business(3-4 years ago) but under these circumstances,all n all, I must look awfully foolish to the logical person with a wife and 11 yr old.
Sad in SENC land
Wow, Michael. Thanks for joining us here and for sharing your situation. First and foremost, I think the best thing we can do is ask God to flood you with His peace and His wisdom.
Being in a situation where you’re physically tired, dealing with mental and emotional stress, and feeling alone… well, let’s just say it doesn’t lend itself to making the best decisions.
I’d encourage you to arrange for yourself to have some alone time — perhaps on a weekend — where you can get quiet before God, pour out your heart to Him (like you may have already done), and allow Him to speak. Given the weightiness of the decisions you’re making… it seems particularly important to do this… no?
In the meantime, I’m asking God to give you Wisdom.
Be encouraged, my friend! Better things are ahead!