HOW TO FACE A CRISIS WITH FAITH?

30th june 2024

I – FIVE FACTS ABOUT CRISES

1. THEY ARE INEVITABLE.

“In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world”. John 16:33

2. THERE ARE MANY TYPES.

– Circumstantial – external elements act against us, Murphy’s Law – if something can go wrong, it will.

– Relational – When relationships are strained to breaking point.

– Emotional – When people are overwhelmed by feelings, oppressed by depression, fear, guilt, regret, worry, anger. 

3. ARE IMPARTIAL. 

It happens to believers and unbelievers alike. “(God the Father) makes the sun rise on the evil as well as on the good and causes it to rain on the just as well as on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45

4. ARE UNPREDICTABLE.

“Then there was a great storm, and the waves were so high that they filled the boat with water…” Mark 4:37

5. I CAN CHOOSE MY RESPONSE TO CRISES.

– Calmly: “Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow”. Mark 4:38

– With fear: The disciples woke him up and said to him, “Master, don’t you see that we are lost?” Mark 4:38

II – HOW TO FACE AN UNEXPECTED CRISIS?

1. FOCUSING ON GOD AND NOT THE PROBLEM.

God is the solution, the problem is the problem! “They left the people and took Jesus away in the boat in which he was sitting.” Mark 4:36

“Thus says the LORD who created you… When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you pass through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame burn within you. Fear not, for I am with you” Isaiah 43:1-2.5

2. TRUSTING IN GOD’S CARE.

Jesus is not only present, He is concerned and cares. He loves us and does not abandon us in storms. “The disciples said to Him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Mark 4:38

3. TRUSTING IN GOD’S CONTROL.

“Jesus stood up, spoke to the wind imperiously and said to the sea, ‘Be still and be quiet. The wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39 Jesus can still and calm your storms.

“You who dwell under the protection of the Highest and abide in the shadow of the Almighty, say to the Lord: You are my refuge and my citadel: my God, in you I trust. He will deliver you from the snare of the hunter and from the evil scourge. He will cover you with his feathers, under his wings you will find shelter. His faithfulness is a shield and buckler: you will not fear the dread of night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor the pestilence that spreads in darkness, nor the plague that spreads in broad daylight.” Psalm 91:1-5

SFS

– Entrust your problems and storms to Jesus.

– Ask him for light so you know what to do.

– Place everything in his hands and repeat several times during the day: “Jesus, I trust in you”.