Like it or not crises and tragedies are parts of life. It may be as massive as a tornado in Moore, Okla., or a Super Storm Sandy. It may be a single car accident or diagnosis of life threatening illness. Some face the crisis of broken relationships, lost jobs, or financial ruin. When faced with such trials we can shake our fist at God, insist He is not in control, or cry out to Him to shine a light in our darkness. In her book, A Walk Through the Dark, Eva Piper shares her story of finding her way through the darkness following her husband experienced a tragic car accident. In overcoming her ordeal, she found God never left her and He won’t leave you either.
Secret 1. You shouldn’t try to face the crisis alone. “When cast into the midst of a crisis you often feel alone and isolated,” says Piper. Our Savior knew we would face difficult times. “In this world there will be many trials, but take heart for I have overcome the world.” Jesus has provided for us in our most difficult times. Allow people to minister to you by accepting their offers to help. Often we don’t want to impose or be thought weak. As a good friend taught “You are robbing people of a blessing when you don’t allow them to help you.” Christians are to act as the body of Christ, reaching out to those in need. Allowing others to help you will bring you comfortand give them the chance to minister.
Secret 2. Allowing others to help allows you to take care of yourself. Piper continues: "The hour to hour, day in day out struggle of recovering from a crisis puts an incredible burden on the victim and their family. There is little time for rest during the recovery process. Limited rest results in your brain being on overload. Often you will be making serious decisions. It’s difficult to think things through when you are tired. Allowing others to help lets you take a break, a chance to recharge. That may be a simple walk down the hallway, a drive around the block, or a chance to go home for a much-needed nap. There is truth in the statement 'You can’t help your loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.'”
Secret 3. Seek God in Honest Communication. It is a humbling thought to believe that the creator of the universe wants to communicate with us. That is why we were to created, to have fellowship with God. In times of crisis God is there to listen to our deepest fears, our anger, our frustration, and our questions. He is never offended by our honest communication with Him. God would rather you be engaged and mad at Him than ignore Him. While dealing with crisis you can be completely honest with God. He never fails to answer. That answer may be yes, no, wait, or I have something better. He loves you and knows what’s best. Many have found a new, fresh, fulfilling relationship with God during their most trying times.
Secret 5. Keep a Journal. “During times of crisis you are hit from all sides with questions and decisions,” writes Piper, author ofA Walk Through the Dark. “It feels like you are in a storm with problems coming from all directions. Just trying to sort things out came be overwhelming. Keeping a journal can help you organize your thoughts. It’s private, just for you. In the journal you can list pros and cons of a decision and write about your feelings. Some people find buying a simple spiral notebook and writing down facts…medications, surgery dates, and doctor notes is a good way to start. Later they begin more personal writings. I found that keeping a Bible verse journal is also helpful. I write down verses that speak to me in a special way. Later, I go back and reread those pages of verses to bring peace during a difficult time. Journaling is a one way to provide shelter from the storm brought about by crisis."
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