In a time of crisis, in our humanity, we often don't know what to do. It seems I have been faced with a significant number of these times this fall. I have preached three funerals for people under the age of 45, all of whom died suddenly, and several other funerals for older brothers and sisters in our fellowship. I have also dealt with some personal issues that have risen to the level of crisis.
There is not a course in seminary that teaches how to handle these things. In fact, I'm not sure it can be taught in a class. It is something that you have to either learn for yourself or see it modeled.
Early in my ministry, I felt like I needed answers. I wanted to say or do something to make everything alright. It is such a helpless feeling to be in the midst of the fire and not be able to do anything to remove the pain of the hurting. Then I learned there was nothing I could say or do that could make everything alright. Sometimes everything is not alright. In those moments, I believe we are called to represent Jesus and just be there. I refer to it as a "theology of presence." Thankfully we have a Comforter in the Holy Spirit who can bring peace beyond all understanding. We cry out to God to bring a comfort that can only come from His hand.
I have also learned that in my most helpless moments, God is often teaching, refining, and molding me in order to grow my faith and trust in Him.
Our Heavenly Father said, "Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me." Psalm 50:15
Are you dealing with a situation where you don't know what to do? Call on the Lord and He will deliver you. God is all we have, and He is all we need. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
