4-22-15 How to Handle Crisis
We're often faced with unexpected difficulties in our lives. We would not have chosen them, if given an opportunity, but they are full of purpose, from an eternal perspective.
How does a believer handle crisis in a way which would be pleasing to God and profitable to others? The Word of God, in 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches the Scriptures are necessary to progressively move us toward godliness. In DOCTRINE, they demonstrate the righteousness
of Christ. In REPROOF we see our unrighteousness and our failing to meet His divine standard
of holiness. In CORRECTION, we find the imperative need in repentance to change our spiritual direction. In INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, we see the critical importance
of re-establishing personal godliness in our habit patterns.
Firstly, we must see every situation, event and circumstance in the light of eternity, through the eternal perspective of the Word of God. In the light of His sovereignty we should ask the question, "How does God want to use this in my life or the lives of others to declare His glory and demonstrate His character as revealed in His Word?" (Ephesians 210)
Secondly, we must make a careful assessment of our own attitudes, actions and words in the face of those things He has allowed. Are they the thoughts, actions and words that Christ would be demonstrating in similar situations?
Thirdly, we must deal with our sinful heart attitude by prayerfully seeking forgiveness from God in repentance, and in practical restitution toward others to whom we have inaccurately represented Christ.
Lastly, we must restructure our habit patterns in ways that honor God and represent the Lord Jesus Christ accurately. In light of 2 Corinthians 10:5, we should bring our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ in submission to His heart, mind, will and purpose. 1John 5:14 assures us that as we pray according to His will, He hears us. With our thoughts and prayers in line with His Word, we can then approach each moment of each day with the singular goal to please God and profit others as Christ taught in Matthew 22:37-39.
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