Crises. We all have them from the time we’re born until the day we die. When we were young we had little crises—remember elementary school when you missed the school bus or forgot your permission slip to go on a field trip? At the time it was a crisis, but fortunately one we all lived through and adjusted to quickly. As a teenager you probably remember your first date that flopped, a not-so-good school event, a job you were fired from or your first car accident, all bigger crises. The list grows the older we get; life is full of crises, and if you’ve been fortunate enough to dodge some of the bigger ones, consider yourself blessed.
If you’re mature and have a few years behind you, I’m sure you’ve experienced a crisis or two that really rocked your world. It happens, but, I hope, you were able to get through it with the help of friends and family. I remember when my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor twenty-five years ago and needed surgery. His doctor told us the tumor was probably not malignant but said, even so, brain surgery is risky and we should get his personal business in order prior to the operation. Let me tell you, this rocked my dad’s world! I still remember praying with him before surgery and telling him how much I loved, him just in case we never spoke again. Fortunately, it went well that time, but two years later he had another brain tumor that required surgery and this time the outcome was less than good, leaving him with a stroke and paralysis on his left side. Again his world was rocked! Overnight he became physically challenged, losing the ability to talk clearly, walk or even stand by himself. I don’t know if my dad had suicidal thoughts, but he did struggle with depression. Back then there were very few books about suicidal thoughts or self-help books on depression. My mother was a real trooper, taking care of my dad, and after months of physical and occupational therapy, a leg brace, prayer, love and dedication, he was walking and talking again.
Having our individual worlds upset and at times actually rocked is normal. The emotional impact to us may vary depending on the circumstances and our faith. As we go through these crises we grow and as we pray and experience God’s comfort our faith also grows. I’m still amazed when God shows up in a circumstance that has rocked my world and calms all my anxiety by flooding my heart with peace. It’s as though I hear His voice saying it’s all going to be fine, trust me, and I do and it does turn out fine. I’m not saying it’s always easy or this calmness comes in one hour or even in one day; I’m just saying it does come. God is good—no, He’s very good—and He loves you and me in good times, crises and even when our worlds are rocked.
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