As a human, chances are you have faced at least one crisis in your life. For some of you, there may have been many. I have had my share of crisis moments, some that came out of left field, and others I blindly followed my heart into. Regardless the cause, my question today is how as a follower of Christ should one respond when something drastic has shook their lives?
Thankfully, the Bible is full of insight and passages that we can turn to in times of trouble. In Psalms, David cries out many times to the Lord; distressed, sometimes frustrated, other times contrite.
Psalms 61:1-3 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
David always knew to go to the source of life for answers, comfort, and hope.
The Apostle Paul withstood tremendous crisis through his ministry and here is his response:
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
It is very hard to face issues that make you feel alone, scared, untrusting, uncertain. Yet God has given us great examples of His incredible care for those seeking Him and listening to His Word. Here are a few to hold onto:
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
This gift of adoption has made us fellow heirs with Christ and because of Christ we can come to and call on God as we would a loving Father. No fear, just love and truth, wisdom and knowledge.
Psalms 18:2-3 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
God promises to protect us, we have no need to fear.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
He has also equipped us to be able to take a stand on The Truth. Others will fail you, anything man is involved with will at one day or another let you down. Yet we can 100 percent rely upon God holding true to His Word, and remaining unchanged no matter what. His Word is perfect, it contains all the wisdom and knowledge we will ever need to walk through any crisis.
He has also given us one another . . . fellowship is important for so many things: encouragement, correction, bearing one another's burdens, expressing God's grace through relationships that glorify Him.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Christian singer/song writer Lauren Daigle has a song out right now titled "Oh Lord". I love the message. Here is a verse and the chorus:
"Your Strength is found at the end of my road, Your grace it reaches to the hurting, Still through the tears and the questioning why, I will stand my ground where hope can be found, I will stand my ground where hope can be found!
Oh, Oh Lord, Oh Lord, I know you hear my cry, Your love is lifting me above all of the lies, No matter what I face this I know in time, You'll take all that is wrong and make it right, You'll take all that is wrong and make it right, Make it right."
No matter what it is that you are facing today, you aren't alone. Look to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. We have every reason to hope because we know we have a future with Him now and in The New Life. I leave you with these words of guidance:
Romans 12:9-13 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
All His Blessings,
Kacy
