Posted September 13, 2016 under Videos

How Can I Trust God in the Midst of a Critical Situation?

CONVERSATIONS:

Have you been facing a crisis lately? Do your finances look bleak? Is your health or a loved one's facing challenges that seem too great to overcome? Is your marriage, family or other relationships facing a major crisis? If so, describe what you are going through:

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Call out to God in faith

Whenever we face crises, it feels like a massive wave is about to engulf us in our small boat in the midst of the enormous ocean, and our natural response is to panic. The disciples were overwhelmed when the tempest came (Mt. 8:24-26). They cried out to Jesus, who was in the boat with them, sleeping, and He responded by calming the sea -- but not before calling their attention to their lack of faith. I wonder if we would have responded any better than they did!

But based on how Jesus rebuked His disciples, we can see that He expects more from His followers. How then can we act in faith in the midst of crisis?

Remember who God is. Daniel trusted in the mercy, wisdom, might and sovereignty of God to come through for them when the lives of the wise men of Babylon were on the line unless someone could interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream (Daniel 2). Mary trusted in God's purposes and the goodness and mercy of His heart when she was presented with a situation that could otherwise potentially ruin her reputation when she was called to carry in her womb the Son of God - before was married (Luke 1, esp. vv. 46-55).

What do you need to remember about God in your current situation?

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Remember God's word. While exiled in Persia, Nehemiah mourned upon learning of the state of his home city of Jerusalem. He fasted and prayed and called out to God, repenting before Him, and recalled before God His promises to Moses about His punishment should His people be unfaithful, and His gathering back of His people to Jerusalem if they repent. It was with this reminder that Nehemiah pleaded before God for help (Neh. 1) and received it.

Is there a truth or a promise God said in His word that you can stand on? Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to illumine the word as you go back to Scripture and seek His counsel.

Rest in Him. When we call out to God in the midst of crisis, we can experience His peace if we rest in Him. For God's word says,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

What does this passage tell us not to do?

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What does this passage tell us to do instead?

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What will be the result for us if we do what God expects from us? Describe it in detail:

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The peace that passes all understanding is the result of us laying down the load of our hearts at the feet of the One who is all-knowing, sovereign, and loving in all His ways. And this is the God who wants us to call upon Him in faith in the midst of crisis. The Psalmist himself said, The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth (Ps. 145: 8).

Let's pray:

Our Father in Heaven, thank You for the invitation for us to call on You. Thank You for the assurance that You are near to those who call on You. No one is better able to rescue us in the midst of crisis apart from the One who knows everything completely, loves us thoroughly, and is in control of everything. As we lay down our cares at Your feet, we trust in You completely to do what is according to Your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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