From Crisis to Christ

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.

God is in Control

We read in Jeremiah 1:5 before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee. God is never taken by surprise. He knew the end before the beginning of every situation that would happen in our lives and the world in which we live. Oftentimes when an event occurs in our lives whether good or bad we experience different emotions ranging from shock, pain, sorrow and grief if it's a tragic or devastating event to shock, amazement, or euphoria if it's a joyous event.

 

When tragedy strikes we often ask God why? Only He can answer that question. What I can say is that He never gives us more that we can bear without providing a way of escape as we read in 1Corinthians10:13 there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. That way of escape always includes turning to Him for solace.

 

Quoting His words again He also says in Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  We have no control over some of the events that occur in our lives or the lives of anyone else, especially our loved ones. If we did have control we certainly would not allow tragedy to occur in our lives or the lives of those we cherish. But trusting in His word again we must realize that something good will come from all things as He as stated.

I was very close to my mother who went to be with The Lord in 2007. Prior to her passing I always thought I would not be able to function if she ever left me. Notice I said left me because that is what I thought. She would be leaving me. I remember when it was time for my mother to go she was in the hospital and was ready to leave this temporary home we call earth. I said to her mamma if you are ready to go why don't you just ask God to take you? She replied I did. Within the next few days she was gone. Her departure was peaceful. She was now at rest. Of course I cried and still miss her tremendously. I talk to her and sometimes while shopping may say mamma would like this or I should get this for mamma for Christmas. Prior to her passing she asked that my sisters and I keep our family together. Little did she know within two years of her death my sisters and I would be living within walking distance of each other’s homes? I am sure this is not the togetherness to which she was referring, however it is a blessing and has worked together for the good of us all.

 

You may say death is tragic and it is.  It is tragic for those who are left behind but remember the death of Jesus removed the sting from death meaning there would be no pain in death. Additionally to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. Solomon also advises us we should morn when a child is born because of what he or she will face on earth and rejoice in death because there is no more sorrow in the lives of those that are dead.

 

Perhaps the tragedy you are facing is not death but feels just as devastating. Again I refer you to 1Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28. Will reading the scriptures bring comfort? Maybe they will and maybe they won't but whether or not they bring comfort they are true and believe it or not in time the pain will lessen as we read in Isaiah 61:3 He will give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

 

Will the pain go away immediately probably not? Will it ever go away? It can become bearable enough for you to function and it can also serve as a testimony to others if you will allow God to comfort you and bring you peace which comes with resting in him.

What is important is that we share Jesus Christ with those that we love so when they do depart from this temporary home for their eternal home we can rest assured that they will spend eternity with God.

 

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior I strongly encourage you to do so now simply by reading the following out loud. Dear God I come before you now acknowledging I am a sinner. I ask that you forgive me of my sins. I know that you gave the life of your Son and on the third day He rose and is seated at your right hand. I thank you for accepting me as yours and from this day forward I belong to you.

If you spoken this prayer I encourage you to find a bible based church to attend.

 

I also encourage you whether a newly converted or seasoned Christian to share this word with all you know. As the title of this blog reads and whether it appears that way or not God is in control.