By Danny R. Von Kanel

 

John’s world collapsed. He lost his job with the downturn in the economy. With no money coming in, John defaulted on his mortgage. To make matters worse, his wife left him. John considered taking his life.

 While such an extreme time of crisis is foreign to most of us, many believers go through one or more crisis moments in their lifetime. 

 

The Scope of the Calamity

Most crises are not life-threatening. Realistically assessing a crisis eases anxiety and provides a clearer mind to address the issue.

 Financial crises often seem insurmountable. Yet when weighed against present assets that can ease the burden, available loans, and additional work options, the load can feel lighter. Family crises need not wreck a family. Sound counseling, momentary distance between participants, prayer, and the consideration of options can provide needed clarity. Sometimes just admitting our helplessness to God and waiting on him invites God to do what only he can do.

Recently I had a cluster of decisions to make that seemed to come to a head at the same time. I was beside myself. I finally said, “God, I am at my wit’s end. I don’t know what to do. So I am going to wait on you.” In a matter of weeks, several issues resolved themselves. Others turned out not to be crises at all.

We’re often tempted to respond immediately when a crisis comes. Apollo astronaut Allen Bean said, 

 

Test pilots have a litmus test for evaluating problems. When something goes wrong, they ask, “Is this thing still flying?” If the answer is yes, then there’s no immediate danger, no need to overreact. When Apollo 12 took off, the spacecraft was hit by lightning. The entire console began to glow with orange and red trouble lights. There was a temptation to “Do Something!” But the pilots asked themselves, “Is this thing still flying in the right direction?” The answer was yes—it was headed for the moon. They let the lights glow as they addressed the individual problems, and watched orange and red lights blink out, one by one. That’s something to think about in any pressure situation.

 

Understanding the scope of the crisis often prevents hasty and wrong actions. 

 

The Strength of Your Resolve 

What is your state of mind? Is the crisis overwhelming? If so, enlist a close friend or godly person to walk with you through it.

 Walking through a crisis with a close friend or godly leader allows two minds to address the problem. Through discussion, prayer, and brainstorming solutions, the collective decision-making strengthens your resolve. Don’t go it alone when feeling crushed by a crisis. Doing so is a recipe for poor decision-making and further calamity. 

 Some crises require professional guidance. Medical experts say, “If your stress is interfering with your capacity to be happy and lead an emotionally rewarding life, then it may be time to seek professional help.”

 

The Source of Biblical Guidance 

God’s Word remains the true source for direction in life. Reexamine Scripture in light of your present crisis.

When your heart is troubled. “Do not let not your heart be troubled;. believe in God; believe also in Me” (John 14:1, New American Standard Bible).

When you’re feeling anxious. “Do not be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

When you seem powerless. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us”
(2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV).

When you need direction. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8, NIV, 1984).

 

The Supply of Options 

Brainstorm available solutions to your crisis. Write down each suggestion no matter how far-fetched it seems.

 Brainstorm in light of Scripture. Any option that violates the precepts of Scripture potentially deepens the crisis and should be avoided. Humble yourself and acknowledge any decision or lack of decision making that may have led to your crisis. Use these guidelines:

(1) Write a clear and precise description of the crisis.

(2) Write down possible solutions.

(3) Do not evaluate the solutions immediately.

(4) After all ideas are gathered, combine those that
relate. 

 

The Spot-On Decision 

Narrow the items on your list to a single option based on cost (time, money, and emotional toll), and degree of hope it brings (none, some, or a lot). 

 Tie your final choice to a godly response if possible. Someone observed, “If our future is not secured and satisfied by God, then we are going to be excessively anxious. This results either in paralyzing fear or in self-managed, greedy control” 

Self-reliance and tight control during times of crisis often make it more difficult to come out of the crisis, no matter what option we choose. Total dependence on God is the key.

 When things look bleak, hope can reappear when we understand the scope of the crisis, the strength of our resolve, the source of biblical guidance, the supply of options, and the importance of making a spot-on decision. Do these and watch God turn your despair into lively hope.

 

Danny R. Von Kanel is a freelance writer in Franklinton, Louisiana.

 

Your Crisis Quotient

Use this self-assessment to measure your crisis quotient. Circle the most appropriate answer for each question. Add your score and evaluate yourself using the scoring guide at the end.

 

1. My understanding of the scope of the crisis is: 

Excellent (4), Good (3), Fair, (2), Poor (1)

 

2. My present resolve to address the crisis can be described as: 

Excellent (4), Good (3), Fair, (2), Poor (1)

 

3. My reliance on God and his holy Word to guide in addressing the crisis is:

Excellent (4), Good (3), Fair, (2), Poor (1)

 

4. My present state of mind is:

Excellent (4), Good (3), Fair, (2), Poor (1)

 

Scoring: 4-6 = Your crisis is severe; seek immediate help and godly counsel.

 

7-10 = Your crisis is major, though not chronic; use article steps to address crisis.

 

11-13 = Your crisis is moderate; address its root cause and any weaknesses in assessment.

 

14-16 = Your crisis is minor; You are well equipped to restore hope.