Date:
June 1, 2021Battle of the Will
Painful or pressing conditions quickly reveal our internal battles. These struggles are not usually between what is good or bad, right or wrong, but between our desires and God’s will.
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Tough Stuff
A crisis is any event that leads, or is expected to lead to, an unstable and dangerous situation, which affects an individual, family, group, community or society as a whole. Crises are deemed to be negative changes in life especially when they occur abruptly. Since a crisis is a testing time or an emergency event, we may panic, become stressed, or struggle to cope as a result.
Regardless of the reason for the crisis God is always in control. He cares about what we are going through (1 Peter 5:7) and He never forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). God provides grace for our times of need if we humbly look to Him (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13). That grace can manifest itself in whatever we need: peace (Isaiah 26:3), comfort (Psalm 23:4), stability, protection, or guidance (Psalm 31:3). He will strengthen and uphold us (Isaiah 41:10). God also assures us that He can work in and through the crisis for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Tragedy Breeds Calamity
God doesn’t leave us in the tough times. Even when we question His goodness, He stays near. Psalm 46 says God is our refuge and strength—a very present help in trouble. Whatever you’re going through, God is there and He’s in control.
Second-Guessing Self-Pity
When times are tough it’s easy to get lost in self-pity. But instead of dwelling on your problems, think about others. When you choose to help others even though you’re struggling you are choosing to rise above your situation. You’re choosing victory instead of defeat.
When Catastrophe Strikes
In the midst of catastrophe your priorities change. You find the things once important to you are now insignificant. And you become more sensitive to God—you learn to trust Him like never before.
Four Characteristics of Catastrophe
Catastrophes don’t usually give advanced warning. But you can be prepared—faith in Christ will help you weather the storms of life. He promises to always be with you and never leave you.
Learning from the Crosses
When we meet with trials our typical response is resistance. But trials have a purpose, they help us mature and they teach us to depend on God.
Tragedy and Calamity
If you allow it, tragedy can pull you closer to the Lord than you’ve ever been. God doesn’t leave you in hard times, He comes closer and He stays nearer.
Insurmountable Opportunities
We are surrounded by insurmountable opportunities. The problem is, they're often disguised as impossible situations.
The Problem of Prejudice
Whether we admit it or not, prejudice is something we all battle. Human beings are so innately prejudice we constantly create divisions where there are none. Thankfully, prejudice can be overcome with grace. Where grace exists, there is no barrier.
Hope
You’re not very far along in life before you struggle with tough questions. It’s at times like this we really need hope.
