GOD CAN GET US OUT OF THIS

Evening Herald
November 8, 2008 Saturday
Plymouth

The joy expressed by many Americans at the announcement of Barack
Obama as the next president of America was matched around the world.

A few hours after the announcement, I went online to read some of the
emails that people were sending from different parts of the world to
congratulate the senator. It was interesting to read about the hopes
and expectations people have. A well-wisher from Italy said that he
was excited because Obama "will now unite the world".

A man from the Congo said he was looking forward to the change that
the president-elect will bring to the economy of the world. As I
read these emails, I recalled the words of a Bank of England boss
as he described the current economic crisis. He called the situation
"the largest financial crisis of its kind in human history", but he
also warned that this is only the beginning of the pain.

So if this is just the beginning, what is going to happen next? Many
more job losses? Crime rates soaring? People losing their homes? Many
are trying to keep the flame of hope burning, but it is difficult to
have a positive attitude, with ‘credit crunch’ ringing stridently in
our ears.

Some reckon that the latest happening in America is a sign of the
much-awaited change. However, should we be looking to a person or a
government to bring about the breakthrough we need?

There is only one being who has the solution to this global crisis and
that is God, creator of the universe. There is no denying that he can
use anyone to bring about change, but we need to pray to him for help.

Many years ago, Samaria was besieged by the Armenians and there was
a terrible famine. However, in a single day, God turned things around
for the Samaritans, as he had promised His prophet Elisha.

Today, let’s humble ourselves and pray to God, because he alone can
turn a bad situation around.