“There cannot be a crisis today; my schedule is already full”                                             Henry Kissinger

It seems as if not to be alive is the only way to not experience crisis of differing levels and descriptions, whether large or small, domestic or international.   Henry Kissinger’s comment is rather quaint really and we could all say we wish it was like that too busy, too full a diary to have  a crisis.

World crisis that takes decades to pass such as the Ebola outbreak of 2014-15, despite early warning signs it still took a long time for the world to recognise the the scale and severity.   Early warning signs ignored until it was too late.

Even recent crisis that filled the news, of ‘terror’ on the streets of London, for decades training and preparedness worked upon.   Reality again all the political commentators say it was inevitable for some crisis to happen some time.   Would our worlds be great with out this inevitability.

As we look around we have health care issues and Global warming, both have their crises presently.

We indulge in films, TV, news, games all depicting world crisis of some kind or another,  lets’ be honest, we love it, worlds of zombies, aliens, outbreaks, terrorism, cosmic collapse and it all unfolds.

Scriptures also rolls from narrative to narrative unpacking stories of victory, challenges and crisis on the surface of it all.   Each new story line bringing lessons of the nature of God to help us discover the relationship and existence we have together with the Father Son and Holy Spirit.

The crisis that characters have with in the pages of scripture, Jospeh from family crisis, to deep hole crisis moving on to prison crisis, what do these encounters train us and teach us ?

The Crisis of Paul the apostle having been hunted and sought after, needing to be let down in a bucket to get away from the immediate crisis.     What about the comment in Hebrews 11 when the writer says time does not allow me to fill you in on all the people who handled crises, as a threat to their existence or journey of life.    Each comment of the ‘heroes of faith’ as we like to call them, having to deal with crises in various forms.

Crisis even though we can be often surprised and legitimately surprised by their actual manifestation and impact; the reality of it, we loath when they come.   Even when we train our imagination for the events, do we take them seriously enough to give time, energy and resources to prepare.

The bible encourages our preparedness on different levels, in mind and spirit.   We are encouraged to walk by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit this really is a preparedness for life not just a prayer line.   Unfortunately the thought of being led by the Spirit for many are words of knowledge only, sadly not seeing it as a means of living life in a prepared condition.   Be careful its not just a way to get an experience rather than a way to walk LIFE.

The cares of people, elders are encouraged to “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds” Prov. 27:23, is this not an encouragement in crisis averting?   Knowing where people are is means of avoiding that crisis or making sure we have seen the early signs?   To care for people is to be so aware of people, helping them through every crisis by being there alongside.

It is not only the responsibility of the elders/leaders, the scripture encourages each one of us in Romans 12:3 “For I am telling every single one of you, through the grace that has been given to me, not to have exaggerated ideas about your own importance. Instead, develop a sober estimate of yourself based on the standard which God has given to each of you, namely, trust”.   Be so aware of your self that you can avoid the crises that comes your way.    Establish your self through trusting God, in order to stand in crisis, “standing firm” we are encouraged to trust.

Consider the following:

• Consider the weak signals, improve our sensitivity and ability to listen, learn, and anticipate crisis.
• Note any changes taking place and think how they will map the coming crisis
• Listen, become a skilled listener especially in unfamiliar and threatening environments – interpreting sounds with accuracy and a sense of promotion.