It is unavoidable that organisations, families and ordinary folks will be taking steps in responding to the winds of change in the economic and market forces.

Manufacturers will be looking into cost-cutting measures to sustain their operations in view of low demands. Our government will be looking at ways to facilitate a vibrant economy and to manage unemployment. Families and people alike will be grimly tighting their belts to brace for the uncertainties that lie ahead.

With the media feeding us with day-to-day news that are reactive and short-sighted, there’s no doubt our future looks bleak.

Catching wind of the Holy Spirit

Apart from reading the news to follow the wind of the economy to determine our steps, I believe it is imperative for us (especially Christians) to keep in step with the wind of the Holy Spirit.

“Therefore I am now going to allure her (Israel); I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her”

Hosea 2:14

Even in these times, the Holy Spirit might be leading us out of our comfort zone to new areas to conquer. There might be some priorities that need re-aligning or wrong fundamentals that need to be corrected.

Staying in the realm of faith, this recession can pose opportunities for stock-taking in our life.

Arising opportunities  

A change in industry for our careers might be where the Holy Spirit is re-directing us. Or signaling for us re-train or upgrade our knowledge and competency in our professions.

For businesses, the slowdown will provide more time to take a step back to evaluate and streamline core processes to improve capabilities.

For folks like myself, the situation will “force” us to acquire more interest in being financial savvy in the management of personal finances.      

No matter how gloomy and uncertain the road ahead may look, we must not lose heart and keep the faith. And not just hold on to our jobs, but hold on to God.

Just as the sun continues to shine brightly behind every dark cloud, we can also be sure that there is hope and an opportunity for the better in every gloomy and uncertain times.