Mastering Your Crisis: Part 2

Perseverance through trials

It is natural for us to dislike turmoil and crisis and to ask God to spare us from such difficulty. While a fair amount of our troubles here on this earth are caused directly or indirectly by our own actions or inactions, the Bible is clear that some of our “problems” result from the hands of our wise, loving Father God who intentionally orchestrates or puts us into such situations. Why would God do this? From a close study of the Bible, we can learn a number of God’s reasons:

• To bring us closer to Him
• To strengthen our trust and faith in God
• To purify us of sin in our lives
• To discipline (train, not punish) us
• To weed out those from His Church who are insincere
• To accomplish His greater purpose
• To give us a testimony we can share with other
• To enable us to walk with compassion with others in the same situation
• To bring God honor and glory

One of the most insightful examples of how God uses crises in our lives to accomplish His purposes can found in the book of Exodus. While God tempts no one (Jam. 1:13), He does lead us us into difficult situations as a test to reveal what choices we will make. In the following scripture, God commands Moses to lead His people deliberately into a trap:

Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. Pharaoh will think, “The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.” And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord. Exod. 14:2-4

While God’s main purpose was to enable the final defeat of the Egyptian army, God didn’t clue in His people the Israelites as to why they soon found themselves trapped between Pharaoh’s approaching, avenging army and the Red Sea with nowhere to go. So, the Israelites did what we Christians likewise do best today: freak out, scream, moan, grumble, and complain to everyone around.

The Israelites, like us today, did everything except pray, relax, have faith in God, and trust that He had a better plan through it all. Of course, God did have a great plan. At the last minute, He parted the Red Sea, and His people safely crossed through their major crisis on dry ground. This had been God’s plan from the beginning. He didn’t need the freaking out part to make this happen. He only needed faith and trust from His people.

In the book of Hebrews, God shared another of His reasons for why He allows tough times to befall us:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?…God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Heb. 12:7, 9-12

Because God’s discipline is intended for our own good, He asks us to not only accept His discipline but to rejoice when we suffer:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Jam. 1:2-3

This is why our Lord commends those of His servants who pass His testing and trying process without growing weary or giving up:

[Jesus, speaking to His Church at Ephesus] You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Rev. 2:1-3

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Jam. 1:12

Here is a closing Scripture passage that is well-worth pondering:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psa. 23:4

Amen! If you agree, pray this prayer:

I love and trust You, my Father God, that where you lead me is for my own best good and Your greater purposes. Refine me in Your fire and make me pure and white as snow in the Name of your Son, Jesus.

Be blessed today!