We all know about moments of crisis. Some live in crisis everyday. How is it that everyone responds to crisis in different ways?
Consider for just a moment the sunflower. It is easily planted and has few needs. It grows with little help from me. This year I planted about fifteen sunflower plants. They rise above every other plant in my garden!
They produce only one thing; hundreds of seeds. If left to fall in the garden, they will become many plants next year. Birds and bees are fed by their seeds and pollen.
In times of crisis, we too can tower over all things and provide for others. Attitude is key to the ability to produce what the world needs.
If faced with crisis you become angry and bitter, he will be coming even more distressed and anxious.
I met a waitress recently who, at best made minimum-wage and most dependent upon tips. Her economy wasn’t great. Watching her I noticed that her optimism was up-tempo and she was positive. She shared about several recent crises that she faced. One involved a pipe bursting which destroyed the floor of her home and the other was while she was traveling through a big city. She got a flat tire with her children in the car along a busy highway. She said that she is facing both situations with a positive attitude because, "It could be worse," she said. I did leave her a good tip and told her to be of good cheer.
The Word of God reminds us that in times of crisis our foundation is shaken. In God, He has given us a Cornerstone that, if we believe, we need not be shaken. Isaiah reminds us to believe. If we fail to belief we will be shaken! We know that optimism alone is not enough to carry us through the difficult experiences yet it is a great start and it helps to re-frame every situation in a way that is hope-filled.
At minimum, we need to trust in God. We don’t need to be shaken.
I recently met with a young man who I mentor. We played a fun game, Jenga. If you have ever played it you know that it involves pulling out blocks that puts pressure on the next move of your opponent.
Our role in ministry is to serve those in crisis with optimism and courage. We are often the hope people need to manage through their crisis.
Proverbs 13:12 is a reminder that those who feel hopeless is heart-ache. Our role is to help people to be dreamers. It is a tree of life.
Psalms 33:20-22 is a great reminder;
We put our hope in the Lord.He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
