When Facing a Crisis, Have You Ever Had These Three Thoughts?

Crises crop up over and over again in this imperfect world. You have heard that Jesus came so you might have life, and have it more abundantly, (John 10:10) and wonder why you seem to be targeted for physical, emotional or financial doom. Have you ever had these three thoughts?

1. Why is this happening to me?
I have been living a reasonably good life, so why am I targeted?

2. God doesn’t love me anymore

3. There is no point in praying because there must be sin in my life and He just isn’t listening

If you did, you’re not alone. I did, and it took me a while through many trials to realize that thoughts like that are not based on the Word of God. I’ll show you why these thoughts are unfounded.

First of all it is good to know the Scriptures and not to take them out of context. For instance, John 10: 10 starts out by saying:

“The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”

Satan will plant seeds of doubt in your mind to get you from receiving your blessings.

When Jesus told his disciples:

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 32 – 33)

Secondly, God’s love is unconditional.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotte
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16)

God loves you! “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Thirdly,

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8: 1)

Don’t feel bad for thinking defeatist kind of thoughts. After all, David did many times when he was close to despairing and giving up. Although he was anointed to be king, it took 15 years to materialize. He would cry out again and again for God to save him from total destruction, like:

“How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? Forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? …Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.” But, after crying out to God, David knew that God would always come through: “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm. 13: 3; 5 – 6)

He despaired many times, wondering whether he would ever become king. But, he knew that what God has promised He will do, he put his complete trust in Him, and thanked Him in advance, expecting the desired outcome.

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. …He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor awarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.”