Crisis can be defined as a dramatic emotional or
circumstantial upheaval in a person's life. It is when we are in crisis that we sometimes forget or lose
sight of what keeps us balanced. But this is the very time that we need to dig
deep, grab hold of our faith and rest in the assurance that God is in control,
all things work together for our good, no weapon formed against us shall
prosper and we are victorious.
If you think about it, someone
around you, someone that you know or maybe you yourself may be in crisis at
this very moment. When those that we love or care about, even those with whom
we may have had only a brief encounter are in crisis we may be impacted. If
it’s someone that is close to us we share their pain. If it is someone we know
we may be empathetic. Either way we are concerned.
Crisis affects us in
different ways. Our first reaction may be disbelief. We ask, how could this
happen? We wonder why me. Even if the crisis has occurred in the life of a loved
one, we still ask why me? Why did this happen in the life of someone that I
love. It’s not as though we would prefer a crisis occur in the life of anyone
else, but we still ask why me?
As difficult as it is we
must depersonalize the crisis. As long as we are in the moment, we cannot think
rationally. Crisis can immobilize. You may have the strongest support system of
people that love you unconditionally, but when crisis hits God is the only one
that can provide the comfort needed for you to emerge. He may speak directly to
you, He may speak through someone in your support system or He may use a
complete stranger. It’s not until He gives you exactly what you need to hear
that you will be able find peace.
Don’t put yourself on a
timeline. Healing for one person may vastly differ from healing for another. It
is important however that you do heal. No matter how tragic the event healing
is imperative to recovery and growth. Seek counsel. Find someone that you
trust. Sometimes you just need someone to listen. Do not hold onto whatever is
causing your pain.
I believe no matter how
tragic an event your ability to share your emotions, struggle and healing will
benefit you as well as someone else who is facing the same traumatic event. It
may be uncomfortable in the beginning but each step you take brings you closer
to healing and rediscovery of the peace God wants each of us to have.
Some people become bitter,
angry and even turn away from God in crisis, but it is imperative that your
crisis be what draws you to Christ instead of away from Him. Don’t allow the
enemy to use crisis to destroy you. As we read in John 10:10 the thief cometh
not for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
It is not Gods desire for
us to experience crisis or the damage that comes with it, but it is His desire for
us to have the abundant life that He has created for us.
