How To Confront A Crisis  

Crisis are a part of life and unavoidable at times. Yet there are other times when they can be avoided. At this moment you are in one of three phases: Either you just got out of a crisis... or you're in a crisis right now, or you're headed into a crisis.

There is a great story in the Bible relating to a shipwreck that can really help us understand and most of all manage any crisis that comes our way. This story is found in Acts 27. There are three things I would like to show you concerning crisis.

FIRST, determine the reason for the crisis. Ask yourself, "What really is the reason behind the crisis?" The reason is often deeper than what appears on the surface. In the case of Paul's shipwreck, there were three reasons.

• They listened to bad advise
• They followed popular opinion
• They relied on circumstances rather than what they knew was the right thing to do

If you're having difficulty sorting out the reason for a crisis, try praying about it. David said, "I tried to think this problem but it was too difficult for me until I went into Your temple." Ps 76:16

SECOND, Determine the results. Ask, "What can I learn from this?" Every crisis is an opportunity to enlarge my perspective, sharpen my skills, and develop more of God's character in my life.

THIRD, Determine my response. Ask, "What is the best way to respond to this?" There are at least three different ways to respond to a crisis in your life.

Confront the problem. You rarely solve a problem by ignoring it. Different crisis requires different solutions for sure but by asking God to help you deal with it, you have the assurance you do not stand alone.

Confess my part. (If any) If you brought this crisis on yourself, admit it and ask forgiveness. Don't make excuses and don't blame others. Accepting responsibility is a mark of a maturing believer.

Claim a promise. Did you know that there are about 7,000 promises of God to help you in the Bible? They are kind of like a blank check waiting to be filled in. God gives us promises so that we can have what He has already promised and wants to give us.

Pastor Roger Velasquez