Archives For encouragement

5 things I’ve learned in times of crisis

May 21, 2012 — 2 Comments

I spent this past Friday night and Saturday in Mississippi with my family. It was just the kids and me this time, since Michelle had a women’s ministry meeting scheduled. On Saturday we got up early and spent most of the morning fishing with my brother and his wife. The kids had a ball!

As we made our way back to Little Rock on Saturday evening, I received a phone call from my dad to let me know that an uncle (my mom’s sister’s husband) had been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. As I processed this new information, I couldn’t help but think about how significant his injuries must be to warrant flying him by helicopter to the hospital in Tupelo and from there to the trauma center in Memphis.

After dropping off the kids at the house, I showered and shaved, refreshed my overnight bag, and headed out to be with my aunt and her sons. Spending time with family in the hospital provides a different perspective. It’s important to identify lessons from our life experiences. Here are a few of the ones I’ve been reminded of over the past few days:

1. Life is unpredictable. We never know what each day will bring. We are not in control; God is. Lives can be forever changed in one moment’s time. James 4:14 says, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (ESV)

2. God is always present. Even during times that are dark, when we feel all alone, there’s no place we can go to escape His presence. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (ESV) I really like the way the New International Reader’s Version puts it: “God is our place of safety. He gives us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble.”

3. Storms of life provide a new perspective. Isn’t it funny how the little things that trouble us each day seem so incredibly insignificant when a major trial comes our way? People of every nation, race, background, and religion status experience very real problems from time to time. Pain, laughter, and music are universal languages.

4. Waiting is never easy. Whether we’re waiting to hear a medical update on a loved one’s condition, waiting on test results, or waiting on God to take away the pain, fear, and anxiety, it’s always hard to wait. Anxiety builds in the absence of information. No news is not always good news. And our patience is often pushed to the breaking point.

5. True friends are always there. In times of great difficulty, I’ve been reminded over and again how many people love me, care for me, and pray for me. Even when no words can change the situation, just having friends ‘be there’ makes a world of difference.

This song reminds me to trust God even when difficulties arise. I hope it will bless your heart.

My uncle remains in very critical condition. Thank you for your prayers for my family.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are some lessons you have learned in times of crisis?

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4 practical ways to help hurting friends

May 18, 2012 — 2 Comments

All of us have hard times in life. For most, these hard times don’t represent the majority of our days. However, there are definitely people who struggle for extended periods with problems, difficulties, and situations that just don’t seem to improve.

I have some friends and family members who are presently experiencing difficult days. While I won’t claim to have all the answers, I would like to offer four suggestions for helping those who are hurting:

1. Pray for them. Why is it that even for Christians prayer is often our last resort rather than our first response? I believe that prayer changes things, so I pray for my hurting friends, knowing that the God of the universe hears our cries and cares deeply for His children. I’ve found that praying for people is something easy to promise when asked — but just as easy to forget once I’m distracted by the busyness of life. Never underestimate the power of praying with your friends in their time of need. We bond with one another when we pray aloud together.

2. Be present with them. So many times we struggle to find the right words to say. Often that’s because there simply are no words. Nothing we can say will change the situation or alleviate the pain. Be willing to be present with your friends. When I minister to people who are gravely ill or to families who have just lost one to death, I’ve found that just being there is enough. In our busy society we’re prone to try and fix things. Just be present and available to listen or pray or cry. Your presence is an invaluable gift.

3. Allow them an opportunity to have a get-away. This one is not always possible for every situation, but there’s usually some way to pull it off. When emotional burdens drain your friends’ life and energy, offer to watch the kids . . . or take your friends for a drive in the country . . . or give them a gift card to the movies. Just a little time away — a change of pace — can provide a much-needed respite from the constant cares and stresses of life.

4. Take them a meal. No matter what is going on, at some point your friends have to eat. A nutritious, home-cooked meal — or even a restaurant gift card — can provide a practical help. Many Sunday School classes and ministry groups now use a handy, user-friendly website to coordinate meals for those in need. Click here to check it out.

In almost every situation, we can find some way to be helpful to those who are hurting. Just remember that if you’re not hurting now, you will be one day. Do something for others that you’d like to have done for you in your time of need.

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What are some practical ways others have been helpful to you in times of need?

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