Crisis! Hope for Positive Change

On the way to visit with his uncle, Jacob stopped for a night’s rest at sundown. He was not on a leisurely vacation, but fleeing the wrath or his brother, who intended to kill him. In life’s journey, there are times when it seems things can’t get worse. Jacob no longer had the provisions and protection of his mother Rebekah and would never have her support again.

A crisis comes when appropriate changes have been disregarded. In Jacob’s case greed overrode a moral code that would have prevented him from cheating and stealing from his brother. Deception had become a way of life for him, so now he was isolated and facing the impact of a full-blown crisis without the support of his family.

It’s at these moments when we can choose the positive direction a crisis presents because God never fails in providing that decision. Even in deepest despair God provides hope for the future by shinning His light on the path we must take. He presents an alternative that is acceptable.

Greasing the Wheels of Change - Part 2

God intends for change to be a normal progression in life. Where change is not welcomed, stagnation sets in or a crisis disrupts the status quo. Fear and anxiety are opponents of change, but often initiate a crisis. The time between a crisis and the occurrence of a change can be inundated with pain and apprehension.

As difficult as it to be stuck in the middle of a crisis, a clear picture may evolve in this in-between state that defines changes needing to be made. Crises prompt people to confess their sins, repent, make promises to God and renew their faith. A crisis presents an opportunity to begin a new chapter in life.

In a personal statement, the Apostle Paul confesses that his carnal self is dying so a new spiritual life in Christ Jesus can thrive and grow. A crisis can be perplexing, but God is willing to open his heart and hands to give strength and faith to sustain believers in the depths of a crisis. For that, let us praise God and give thanks to him.  

Surviving a Personal Crisis with God's Help - Part 3

Everyone experiences challenges to what they expect from life. Sometimes these challenges are minor and relatively easy to manage. At other times we're tested to the point where personal survival appears uncertain. Challenges that result in spiritual failure can be so devastating and overwhelming that recovery seems impossible.

Even if you've cratered in the face of a crisis and abandoned everything you believed in, all is not lost. God has not given up on you. Psalm 147:5 reassures you that survival is possible. "Great is our Lord, mighty in power; his understanding has no limits." And that's not all. Listen to Psalm 145:14. "The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."

Passing through the torrential waters of a crisis opens the door for needed change. Surviving requires resuming faith in Christ Jesus and being vulnerable to the unlimited understanding of the Lord God. He will cleanse and forgive you and provide faith which assures that survival is possible.

Finding God's Purpose in Difficult Times - Part 2

A nation's moral and spiritual values seem to ebb and flow with the character of its leaders. Great Britain evolved into a great nation during the nineteenth century because of innate inventiveness, which was the moving force behind its manufacturing industry. Naval supremacy gave Britain a political edge in the affairs of the world during that century.

However these points of power did not define Britain's total character. Personal values derived from a strong Christian faith defined their integrity, as hard work was a benchmark for success. These character strengths gave rise to a concern for the welfare of mankind. During World War II, their faith and trust in God got them through the dark days of war.

Personal crisis eventually will visit everyone. Surviving a crisis demands change in the arrangement of priorities. Coming back to God by giving Christ Jesus first place in your life is required for making healthy choices. Surviving the consequences of a crisis takes endurance and a resilience that faith in God provides. Faith is God's gift to you.