Get the Most from a Crisis

Written by Dr. Paul Carlisle

No one lives crisis-free. As a matter of fact, crises are woven into the fabric of everyday life. And while they can’t be bypassed, they can be managed.

Crises come in two varieties: those that are predictable and those that aren’t. There are life events you can see coming down the road; they’re expected but not always planned for. For instance, the birth of a first child is a crisis point. Major adjustments are a must, but there’s fair warning to prepare. Predictable crises are scattered all along the road of life: marriage, a child going to school, a child becoming a teen, a child leaving home, or retirement. The good news is you know they’re coming.

Strength for the Journey: Biblical Perspective on Discouragement & Depression

Then there are the crises that catch you from the blind side. Boom! They instantly appear, like lightning on a clear day. This unpredictable type is disorienting. You’re not ready for them. The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) perfectly describes one. A man was traveling between Jerusalem and Jericho and was badly beaten by thieves. I assure you, this man had no idea this was about to happen to him. He hadn’t written on his calendar the night before, “Be sure to get lights punched out around noon tomorrow.” The man was totally unprepared.

Whether you encounter a predictable or an unpredictable crisis, there’s something to benefit you in each type. To get the most from any crisis, remember that a crisis forces us to admit we’re inadequate for the situation. A sizeable crisis makes us cry “uncle” real quick. That may be God’s purpose for it. In the midst of the crisis, we have an excellent opportunity to see how ineffective we are at handling life’s problems. This sense of inadequacy prepares us for the next step – crying out.

A crisis is intended to turn us away from ourselves and to God. It convinces us that the answer to our problem is not ourselves but God. When I cry out during a crisis, I become more peaceful and calm on the inside. I can’t explain how this happens; it just does. Allowing the crisis events of life to force me to cry out to God results in a calmer heart. I experience the calm even though the crisis still rages. At this point, I’m more easily convinced that Christ is Lord of my life rather than the crisis being my lord.

That’s exactly what God wants to do for you today. He longs for you to cry out to Him and move closer to Him amidst life’s difficulties. As you do, He promises to calm the raging sea of your life. Give it a try today. Just as Peter cried out to Jesus as he sank deeper into the water, turn to the Lord and pour out your heart (see Matthew 14). God will take you in His mighty arms and bring you to safety – despite the storm.