From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones 

God is so good! God’s people will always encounter difficult moments or experiences in life. How should Christians respond to these encounters? Let’s briefly examine several examples of how God’s people have responded in the past. What can we learn from others on how to manage crises, challenges, or problems in our lives?

In Exodus 2, there was appointed a new king in Egypt who severely oppressed God’s people. In this time of distress, they cried (prayed) to God. God heard, remembered, and provided a way or delivered them from their crisis (Ex. 3:7ff). How do you respond to crises?

After a series of plagues, Pharaoh approved for the children of Israelites to leave Egyptian bondage then he changed his mind. When Israel saw and heard the coming of Pharaoh and his army, “they were very afraid” (Ex. 14:10). They panic and revealed their lack of faith with the following sarcastic remark to Moses, “were there no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness” (Ex. 14:11)?  In verse 13, Moses calmed the people by encouraging them to “... not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.” In other words, he told them to trust in God and He will make a way. What do you do in times of crises?

During the days of Mordecai, God’s people encountered a situation where Haman conspired against Israel. He convinced the king that the people of Israel were rebellious and a danger to him. Israel was faced with a crisis. They were overcome with fear. Thus, they engaged in a period of fasting, weeping, and wailing. Again, you see when God’s people were faced with a crisis, they went to God for help and God made a way (Esth. 6 and 7). Where do you turn when confronted with a crisis?

God’s people have always experienced crises or challenges to their faith. Most of the time, they realized the source of their strength; thus, they turned to God for guidance and help. Where do you turn or what do you do when you encounter crises in your life? The challenge for today is to depend on God when confronted with a crisis. Why? He answers prayers. Today is going to be a great day, so smile and enjoy it. God has your back! God is so good and He will provide a way in times of crises.