Moving Through Crisis

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it... joy. ... when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)

Believers in Jesus from time-to-time face difficulties that seem impossible to overcome. Jesus forewarned us that we would face tribulation in the world but not to worry, for He had overcome the world. The secret of hurdling an immense challenge is knowing Jesus intimately because you are in partnership with Him. He will steer you through the hardship to experience joy when the crisis is over. He alone is your salvation, and only in Him will you have victory.

One of the most difficult things to do when facing a crisis is to see through the darkness to the silver lining that rests beneath. When your faith gets tested put your experience in the plus column, joy’s account! How you look at things makes all the difference. Jesus taught us to see reality through the eye of light. In every adversity our faith should expand while our endurance grows stronger to stay in the fight and not give up.

Jesus told Jairus three things when faced with the report of his daughter’s death. He said, “Fear not,” and secondly, He said, “Only believe.” The third was “and she shall be made well.” In every trial, the temptation to panic looms large. Fear siphons the strength from your believing heart leaving doubt behind. When the fiery darts of the enemy arise, your defense is to lift up your shield of faith. Your faith will drown the fire and protect your heart, and the voice of God’s word will cut off the devil’s lies. Speak what you believe and hold onto your confession, for God is faithful to what He promises.

The Body of Christ is living in a new era of faith. Our whole existence is changing. If you have not awakened to this reality, you soon will. The righteous must live by faith. Life on earth will necessitate this truth. This is not a time of darkness but glory. Saints in Christ rise, rule, and reign and wear the crown of life God gives to those who love Him.