As many of you can imagine, this downward economy spiral that is ongoing, has in fact, left many of us worn out, worried, stressed, pressured and anxiety ridden in an ever changing economy.

I have been in fear of not being able to find a job, for the first time, in my adult life, now that I have entered the longest lay off of my career.

During my lay off, bills keep coming that I cannot pay, my insurance expired, as I cannot afford the Cobra Plan, and day to day worries are hitting me at an all time high.

I recently heard  Pastor Palmer preach a sermon on “Mining Hidden Potential”, and how we as individuals need to look past the outside of individuals and dig down deep , to find the worth and talents of the people currently in our circle of life.  As individuals it is important for us to remember to uplift, encourage and support one another during these hard times, as we all have something to learn in this fiery trial.

In all these stressful circumstances, we need to search and look for God’s goodness. In all situations to give thanks, to be in continual prayer about our situations, asking for and receiving wisdom, for even God will give us trials to build us.

Every day we come in contact with people from all walks of life, imagine what hidden treasures, are inside the angry person, the one with low self esteem, the hopeless one, the poverty stricken, or an addicted person, just take time to look past their exteriors, and look into their minds and hearts, and start mining, to find the hidden treasure, that are just lying doormat. You could lead someone to salvation, helping them to develop a personal relationship with God by laying baby steps in the mining expedition.

So keep in mind, even though many of us are laid off, facing financial hardship, stop and think for a moment,  maybe God gave us this time as a blessing. I know personally , I have slowed down, I spend more time with my family, , I take better care of myself, , and quite frankly , I am not running to and fro. Best of all, I have spent real quality time with my daughter and granddaughter. I have watched my daughter blossom into a beautiful independent adult who is a wonderful mom. I have seen my granddaughter grow from a small babe into a walking talking, inquisitive toddler who desires to know everything. I have had precious time with them; time I would not have had, if I been sunk in my career. So, even with all my stress , worries and concerns, God has been in the midst surrounding me with great mentors and it made me realize, that God had answered my prayers, as I had prayed for rest and peace. I now have both.

Jesus in the parables of Matthew 13, found a hidden treasure, actually in each of us, he saw past our filth and sin and looked inside and saw something of value, which gave him great joy. Jesus then gave up everything and bought each of us with a price, as we are his treasure.

So as servants of God, it is our duty, to pray and seek the Lord, asking him to guide us and ask, “Who around me has hidden treasure that is waiting to be mined?” “Please show me these individuals the way you see them, Lord.”

Now, take a moment to look around, “Who in your life, can you mentor, to help rise above, their circumstances to find their hidden treasure?”

Just a thought!