Daily Companion | 27 November
UNDERSTANDING THE EVOLVING TIMES AND SEASONS
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” - Daniel 2:20-21
In the middle of the 20th century, Detroit city of Michigan United States was a centre of automobile attractions. Travellers from all over the world came to witness the pinnacle of innovation and entrepreneurship.
After that, the entrepreneurial spirits of the automakers began to wane. And Detroit Motor City (the then capital of World Automobile Manufacturers) gradually plummeted to the bottom, much like the Titanic did when it struck the tip of an iceberg. In succession, all of the automakers eventually declared bankruptcy. General Motors (GM) lost $82 billion over the three and a half years before a federal bailout!
But the question is “What went wrong?” Many things.
Dear friend, here's what happened to the "winners-turned-losers" in Detroit. First, they failed to understand times and seasons. Secondly, they suffered from the arrogance that comes with achievement and stubbornly adhered to their traditional way of doing things rather than acknowledging the competition (rivals) from Japanese vehicles and adopting the “Six Sigma” strategies. They continued to build larger cars that no one wanted, despite increasing demands for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Thirdly, they were resistant to change through killer bureaucracies. A former GM executive said, "If a man noticed a snake on the factory floor, they'd set up a committee to decide whether or not to kill it."
Beloved, this lesson isn't limited to businesses. God created the dynamically evolving world and He wants us to respond to it appropriately and swiftly. Christ says, "No man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and ...the bottles shall perish." (Luke 5:37) All our careers, faith and ministries are prone to perish by the same factors that befell Detroit Motor City. Rather than depending on your old past glory, continue to invest in yourself. Surviving in a dynamically evolving world requires also creating a career network, seizing every opportunity, taking intelligent risks to accomplish innovative things, and being aware of whether you're moving in the proper direction with your career. Above all, “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Today’s Recite: "And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfil it.” Colossians 4:17 (NKJV)
Today’s Morning Prayer: O God of times and seasons I thank You for creating me to respond to the evolving world. I receive inspiration and wisdom to respond positively and gain a competitive advantage in my career, business and ministry. Take away stubbornness from me. Give a humble spirit to learn and grow in Jesus' mighty name. Amen!
Today’s Hymn: DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS
Today's ReadMe: Hebrews 11 - 13
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