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Monday, October 31, 2011

What to Do When You're in Crisis


  1. Strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us,
  2. Run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
  3. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
It's a Friday Morning and my 16 year old daughter has just called me at 5 am for the 5 time this week. She is sobbing into the phone and I cannot understand a word she is saying. Crisis with her Dad. She lives with him now in another state. Her Dad is not a Believer. He has a very different view on life and parenting not at all guided by scripture.

My heart starts to be gripped with fear. How can I help my daughter in a completely different state - many miles away? Her father and I differ drastically in every way. I cannot even petition him on her behalf because he will not listen. Period.

My daughter and I - we talk and reason our way through what her options are to respectfully bring the situation out of crisis mode. I pray with her and send her off to school.

Saturday afternoon, more crisis. My daughter may not have a place to stay. What's a mother to do?

This mother prays.

Saturday evening, I set aside everything. Nothing on my to do list was as important as this. Focus on Jesus was my primary goal. Television off, worship music on.

Thoughts of worry for her emotional and mental well being silenced. I would not allow myself to entertain any thoughts of concern. I choose my thoughts carefully as I begin to reminisce over the many times God has delivered me and answered my prayer. I selectively entertain thoughts of who God is. He is Almighty and is with me (Psalms 46:7). He is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1). And just because I love Him He will deliver me (Psalms 91:14-16).

As I am still before His Throne, meditating on what a Great God I serve, I know that if I say, "The Lord is my refuge" and I make the Most High my dwelling place - no harm will overtake me. He has given his angels charge concerning me to guard me in all my ways...me and my family (Psalms 91:9)

Sunday morning, no call from my daughter.

Sunday afternoon - text message with video attached. She's out to dinner with her Dad and brother. Everyone is laughing and having a good time. Smiles all around.

When in crisis follow these three steps:
  1. Strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us,

  2. Run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
  3. Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)