Article June 20, 1994 Issue

Freedom from business cycles

Harry C. Schiering

Many people believe that business cycles are inevitable and there is no way to escape them. John Kenneth Galbraith, a well-known professor emeritus of economics, replying to the question of when we should expect the next upswing of a business cycle said, "But one thing is certain: there will be another of these episodes and yet more beyond" (A Short History of Financial Euphoria, Whittle Communications L.P., 1990).

Throughout my business career, I have learned to respect those in the economic field motivated to help maintain sound business conditions. Economists' forecasts, however, are usually based on theories of probability and on past experiences. It's worth asking whether we must be subject to these patterns of human thinking, with their elements of uncertainty.

The Bible shows how prayer helped people receive God's healing power when they faced famine or other forms of lack. The Old Testament tells of a destitute widow who informed Elisha that the creditors were coming to take her two sons to be bondmen (see II Kings 4:1–7). Elisha, who was known as a man of God, gave her surprising instructions about using what she had—merely a pot of oil. But she followed his instructions explicitly. Her actions were perhaps symbolic of her own obedience to God and trust in Him. And the results were sufficient resources for her to pay her debt and to care for her family.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Freedom from business cycles

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access