If indeed economic collapse is looming for America and Europe, as discussed in my last blog, and no one knows exactly how that will look, how should the church respond?

What was intended for evil “God meant for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive,” Joseph prophesied to his brothers in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). As I’ve prayed, researched, and discussed with some “experts” – both Christians and unbelievers – the instability of our economy and the American Dollar, I am not fearful so much as expectant. My mind continues to return to Joseph in Egypt. God had appointed him through a series of unlikely events to be in a position of intervention. How much more are we as the church able to bring about God’s kingdom, especially in difficult times, when people might be snapped out of their spiritual lethargy?

Here is what I’m encouraged to do as the Lord leads:

Ask the Father for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:15). It’s that easy. Knowing that severe famine loomed ahead, Joseph advised Pharaoh, “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:33). Pharaoh consulted with his officials and said, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (v. 38).

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13

In his book Five Wealth Secrets 96% of Us Don’t Know, Craig Hill shows that the basis for all wealth is wisdom, just as Solomon asked first for wisdom when God offered to give him anything his heart desired. Indeed, as my husband and I have sought to help various poor people in our neighborhood over the years, what we’ve learned more than anything is how much poverty is a mindset that needs to be overhauled. Poverty more often than not is a form of chaos, born out of a lack of foundational wisdom.

Pray targeted prayers for family, friends, neighbors, and others God lays on your heart. As God prompts, share with them your revelation. It struck me that I am quicker to share possible perilous economic news with a non-Christian friend than the gospel. Yet all my loved ones are in tremendous peril every second of their lives if they don’t know Christ. They could be going about their daily routine, or lying down to sleep, and wake up in Hell. It’s a reality that is no less true because I don’t dwell on it.

Do your homework. Ask God to lead you to people and resources that will provide practical information. Reading financial journals and talking with experts in the field is not a bad thing; be sensitive to the Spirit and “spit out the bones” as you’re ingesting the meat – that is, recognize anything that operates out of a source of fear or manipulation.

Pray for the church. Believers who are walking in the Spirit are like the sons of Issachar, “who understood the times, with knowledge of what [God’s people] should do (1 Chronicles 12:32). It is always right to intercede for the church by asking for more of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).

Worship. Increasingly, I am finding worship to be the greatest spiritual weapon both outwardly and within my own mind. Going about my daily tasks, I seek to have worship and praise transforming the atmosphere.

“Fear not little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Are you anticipating the future? For the follower of Christ, it is victory unto victory!