But that was not the whole story. America’s credit rating was downgraded and the stock markets here and around the world sharply declined. Yet, the bond market, through record purchases of American securities, was at an all time high. I do not know much about the stock market. I do know that when you face a crisis, it helps to look at the big picture. When I look at the big picture, I see a real message of hope despite all the gloomy news. I remind myself how grateful I am to live in a nation that has been blessed so mightily by God. Except for the 911 terrorist attacks, America has never been attacked on its soil.
Beyond good security, you have to travel abroad to know how blessed you are to live in a nation where most schools, telephones and cell phones, power systems, food supplies, airlines, cars, bridges, roads, police and fire departments, and hospitals work. Despite the record number of natural disasters across America this year, we can still count on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.), Red Cross, Salvation Army, countless churches and millions of goodhearted citizens to show up with food, shelter, and survival supplies. The same is not true in earthquake devastated Haiti and Japan where restoration has not come quickly; nor in drought-stricken Africa where millions die daily. America may be downgraded financially, but she is still lifted up, protected, and showered by manifold blessings from the God of all creation.
In our personal lives, there are times when we may also experience downgrading. Whenever we are cut from our jobs, turned down by our college of choice, face a broken marriage or a personal tragedy, the death or serious illness of loved ones, school violence, declining health, failed finances, or divided congregations, we face a downgrading or rejection that cuts deeply and rocks our world. Any downgrading or threat to our survival and self-image shatters our confidence and causes fear to overwhelm our very being. Yet, like America during this season of economic uncertainty, in times like these we need an anchor. In times like these, when all else fails, we must turn to the only true power, the power of Almighty God, who lifts our heads, when life’s circumstances brings us down. Be encouraged today by the Biblical Queen Esther, whose Jewish people were threatened with annihilation by evildoers who downgraded and marked them for death, who was lifted up and used by God to save her people. Be encouraged today the by young Joseph, whose jealous brothers downgraded him, threw him into a pit, and sold him into slavery, but was lifted up by God and moved from the pit to the palace as governor of Egypt.
I encourage you to make today the first day for the rest of your life by rejecting the downgraders; and embracing with new passion and purpose, the uplifting love and power of God alone who can change your circumstances from failed to healed; and from helpless to hopeful. Fight for those who are worse off than you, as others have fought for you. Embrace a “Lift My Eyes To The Hills” and “Still I Rise” spirit today as you count your blessings and not your problems. Remember that the “perfect love” of God, self, and others “casts out fear.” Put your hope and trust in the God of Jesus Christ alone; not in the Congress, the White House, or even the stock market. Look up, not down, and live!
