February 5, 2024
Handling A Crisis
Handling a crisis is an inevitable part of life’s journey, one that tests the very fabric of our faith and resilience. The Bible does not guarantee a leisurely life with Jesus. However, it assures us that we have a source of strength, courage, hope, and peace to rely on in times of crisis. Scripture can make one even more resilient during challenging times.
Everyone must face and grapple with a crisis or even a series of crises at some point or another. How we handle these times of tribulation and trial has much to say about our faith in Christ. Troubles and emergencies come in all shapes and sizes and share some common characteristics. Usually, they are sudden and unexpected; they are important to those affected and produce significant, often life-changing consequences. Typically, a crisis involves some form of loss or tragedy. Quite simply, our lives are disrupted and often chaotic. All of this may have the ring a familiarity to it for you.
Warning Signs
However, some crises have warning signs. There can be early signs that conditions are suitable for a crisis to emerge. Often, these signals are ignored or overlooked. If not properly recognized and dealt with, a trigger event happens, initiating the crisis, but when a crisis is unexpected, it can be devastating.
One day, you will be moving along as usual. You are doing things the way you have always done them. Then, suddenly, you are jolted by an event. The company you work for collapses; the financial adviser calls, and your investments are wiped out; you get a phone call or a knock on the door in the middle of the about a loved one with a severe illness or terrible accident or death.
The old way of doing things is now gone. You are in unexplored territory. You realize you don’t know everything, nothing is certain, and your map has holes in it. Thoughts of “Where am I going?” and “What am I doing ?” take precedence over other thoughts. Everything you thought you knew comes into question. Puzzled by events, you ask, what just happened? Or why me? Does this sound familiar? Even though it is uncomfortable, the good news is that it is entirely normal.
Paralyzed By Fear
When a crisis is triggered, some people become paralyzed by fear, not knowing what to do or where to turn. The crisis may even intensify or escalate as more bad news comes along. The situation may start spinning out of control, adversely affecting everything around you. You are in the peak of chaos; you may be hurting, stressed out, full of anxiety, and desperately searching for the offramp. A rollercoaster ride doesn’t begin to describe the situation; rollercoasters are fun thrill rides, and there is nothing fun about this crazy ride.
You may even think you are going crazy, but that, too, is normal, but you are likely not crazy. A simple way of looking at this is that your old map is no longer useful. Things have changed, and you need a new map. Another way of defining the process is that the “old normal” is becoming the “new normal,” but there is a period of chaos until things settle. In the event of severe illness or death, grief can undoubtedly worsen the overwhelming feelings you experience. At the acute stage of a crisis, there is a high level of chaos, uncertainty, and urgency.
How To Respond
How should we respond to and support others amid a crisis? Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that those affected may not be thinking clearly during the chaotic phase, as their world has been turned upside down. Thus, offering rational advice, sermonizing, or stern lectures isn’t appropriate at this time. During times of crisis, they truly need the presence of empathetic companions who can stand by them while they cope with the initial shock and subsequent grief. Acting on the crisis can come later; it’s unsuitable during the initial shock period. Just simply being there for the person or family can be the best thing.
Later on, there will be opportunities to address the spiritual aspects, consult the Word of God more thoroughly, and provide guidance on action steps. Each stage of the crisis process necessitates its own set of ministry skills. Recovering out of chaos requires effort to regain control and manage events. Guidance from scripture, specifically the Psalms, is of great benefit. Seeking professional help may be required in some circumstances. There is no shame in seeking professional help. Church leaders may show you what resources are available.
Author: Jon-Roy Sloan is the Chief Communications Officer for NationsUniversity and the author of Anastasia Smiles: Love Needs No Translation. Disclaimer statement: Please note that the opinions expressed herein are those of the author alone and are based on his personal understanding of scripture and how God works in our lives and do not necessarily reflect the views of NationsUniversity®.