Posted by Randy Warwick on 29 September 2011 | 1 Comments

Econophobia: How to trust God in troubling times  

After our recent 10 year commemoration of the attacks of September 11^th and the heroism that took place that day as a result of an act of terrorism, I began to think about how we as Christian business leaders can apply some courage as it relates terrorism attacks in our workplace.

“Terrorism in MY workplace? No, not me” you might say. Well, before you right off the rest of this blog, let’s first take a look at the root of terrorism: FEAR. In the New Testament, the word used for fear and (interchangeably) for terror is the greek word: phobos, where we get our word phobia from today. As we look at our present economic situation and the increased uncertainty about the stability of our markets, for many business owners there has emerged a new phobia: ECONOPHOBIA. I would define ECONOPHOBIA as “the overwhelming sense of fear, dread or anxiety that overcomes us based upon the uncertainties in our present economic situation”.

Should it really surprise us that our enemy seeks to use fear to terrorize us as we seek to lead enterprises that are making an eternal difference? Listen to these successful leaders and their comments about overcoming fear:

Peter Drucker, business management guru, once said “ Wherever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision”.  Kris Den Besten, who will be our key note speaker at our 2011 C12 Group leadership conference, says in his book, SHINE: 5 empowering principles for a rewarding life,   “Mustering courage is mandatory as we approach any intimidating endeavor. Seeking God’s vision of excellence is no different. His vision requires us to step beyond our comfort zone, rise above fear, and triumph over discouragement. It tests our faith and reveals what we believe about Him. . When we fear the LORD, there is no reason to fear anything else. God is greater than all our fears. Fear of the LORD inspires the courage to face fears and to take action.” Eleanor Roosevelt said, “ You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face”

·         T-Take God at His word  His Promise 2 Cor. 1:20

·         R-Rely upon God’s ability to control the outcome His Power 2 Tim. 1:12

·         U-Understand that you will not always understand His Plan Prov. 3:5,6

·         S-Seek Jesus, not the answer His Presence 2 Tim. 1:12

·         T-Turn your cares into prayers  His Peace 1 Peter 5:6,7

So the question for you today is what business decision would you make if you could eliminate fear from the equation?  I would love to hear your answer!!!