HAVE FAITH ONLY DURING A CRISIS?

"Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding"
(Proverbs 3:5)

"We live by faith, not sight"
(2 Cor. 5:7)

It is one thing to say "I walk by faith" or "We need not worry." It is one thing to quote the Bible teaching, "Don't worry about tomorrow-for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matthew 6:34). It is, however, an entirely other matter to live these principles out in the face of crisis.

According to our very nature- we worry! When times are tough we fear for our families, for ourselves. When we are clouded with uncertainty we struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self doubt (at least I do!). It is inevitable, it seems, to avoid reaching these stressful levels when times turn sour.

How then, can we benefit from these scriptural promises? How does the inevitability of stress co-exist with the exhortation to put our trust in God? As I have been going through this in my own life of late, I would like to share with you some of the things that have helped make anxious moments less so for me.

• Remember Where God Has Brought You From
  When I think back over the past few years I can recall several instances where I thought I had 'hit the wall.' Situations where I felt God had abandoned me and I would never find my way out. Each time, however, I can see that God, in his own time, did lead me through! Thinking back on such times often gives us strength and renewed hope for what lies ahead.
   

• Read Over Other Stories of Deliverance
  The Bible contains many examples of people facing impossible circumstances. Fortunately, God is shown to be a God of power and faithfulness! I have often found it encouraging reading over some of these and reminding myself that God is not to small for my struggles.
  Examples:

  • The Israelites freedom from Slavery (Exodus 12-14),
  • Daniel's deliverance from the Lions (Daniel 6),
  • Peter's escape from prison (Acts 12).
     

• Live For Today!
  We must remember that there is absolutely nothing we can do about the past and no amount of worrying/moping/crying will change what lies ahead. We can only take the step that is directly in front of us! So, let's focus on that step! Yes, we may be walking through troubled waters- we can't change or control that, but we do have control of our attitudes while we go through! Try and make the best out of where you are at and let the rest fall where it may.
   

• Ask God to Give You Peace
  Our God loves to comfort us (Isaiah 49:13). Take time out of your day to simply ask him to help carry your burden. It doesn't need to be a long, flowery prayer, just tell him what's on your heart and ask for his help. Though it sounds impossible, when we turn over our worries to him, he often surprises us.