We close out 2012 with our attention on the fiscal cliff. I don’t understand all the dynamics of this, but I do have the image in mind of a cliff and the potential of going over it.
I don’t know if Congress will do anything to avoid it. It seems to me like sensible people would be able to work out what would be best for the American people. I am certainly praying for that.
Regardless of what happens with the fiscal cliff, I have formulated some thoughts for myself.
1. God is present at the top of the cliff, at the bottom of the cliff, and everywhere in between. If we don’t go over the cliff, we can thank Him and trust Him to help us be more thankful and productive. I am praying for that. It does raise the question of whether or not we really trust God more if things are going well, or if we are flat on our backs. Sometimes we have to get flat on our backs before we ever look up. God’s relationship with Israel in the Old Testament illustrates this. God is always patiently waiting for us to worship and trust and obey Him.
2. If we go over the side of the cliff, I believe that God might teach us how to fly! Or He might put His loving arms underneath us to give us a safe landing at the bottom of the cliff. It is much like an eagle who shoves her little eaglets out of the nest. As they start freefalling, she swoops under them and catches them with her big, strong, secure wings. This how they learn to fly. God might teach us a whole new perspective on flying!
3. If we go over the cliff, God is at the bottom and will gently catch us. This will then become a time to reassess our values and economic policies, and begin to make progress towards the future. God gives us free choice and allows us to make either good or bad decisions. He even allows us to foolishly fail. My prayer is that if we fall off the cliff, we will trust God and apply His wisdom.
4. The next few days will be cliffhangers. We don’t know exactly what to expect. I have in mind a picture of an automobile commercial where the car is traveling at a high rate of speed toward the edge of a cliff. The driver slams on the brakes just in time to come up to the edge of the cliff and not go over (actually that might have been a tire or a brake commercial). I hope that is the realistic image. Whatever the situation – I am deciding to trust God and obey Him and learn the lessons He wants to teach and to partner with Him in 2013!
5. The fiscal cliff is not the end, but can be the beginning of total dependence on God in learning how to live as His children.
