Three things that concern many people today:

• How am I going to pay all my bills?
• Will I lose my job, and if I do, will I be able to find another one?
• Will I have enough money to feel secure when I reach retirement age?

1. Plan for Recession Before it Starts. Start trimming costs before you start losing money. Postpone nonessential purchases and become more efficient in every area - shopping, driving, restaurants, etc. Develop different streams of income so that you are not reliant on just one source of supply. Diversify your investments to include markets that are less affected by a downturn. Manage debt wisely. Avoid getting into debt but build your credit rating so that you can borrow if you have to. (Prov 10:5)

2. What To Do During Times of Recession

1. If you have a half decent job, hang onto it. If you lose your job, file for unemployment. Take any part-time job you can find – opportunity likes busy people!
2. Look for ways to cut expenses and generate some extra income. Be creative – God still knows how to give great income producing ideas. (Jer 33:3)
3. If you own property, hang on to it. Now is not the best time to sell unless you have no other choice.

3. True Wisdom is Always Proactive

1. Take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses. Know how to sell yourself to potential employers or customers.
2. You may have to reinvent yourself. Your old line of work or way of doing things may no longer be sustainable. You must retool for the kind of work that can thrive during recession.
3. Be willing to work for less than you would in good times.
4. Be willing to volunteer your time to the church or other non-profit organizations. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all labor is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”
5. Be aggressive, ask, seek, knock, and keep on knocking.

4. Stay Plugged Into Church 

1. You are going to need your weekly ‘Faith-Lift’! We all need a network of positive friends that we can share ideas with and receive good advice from.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, help and prayer, when you go through tough times. Don’t just clam up and pretend everything is okay when it’s not.
3. Do not stop giving of your time and talents to help others. Don’t hold back on your tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:10-11)
4. Make extra time to wait on God for His direction. (Col 1:9-12)

5. When the Recession is Over. You have to anticipate the inevitable recovery. What will you do differently when the crisis is past?

1. Live more simply.
2. Learn new skills.
3. Increase incomes and save a bigger portion of it.
4. Make it a habit to live within your means.
5. Use credit cards wisely.
6. Plan for the future – those who thrive in tough times are those who prepare ahead.

“Finally, my brethren, Be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might.”
-Ephesians 6:10

Dr. George Hill
President & Founder
Victory Churches International