Avoiding A Faith Crisis

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:17 

  

  All those with disabilities and chronic afflictions face times when stressful events, a new diagnosis, setbacks, and other added burdens take a bad situation and make it worse. In such times we may face a faith crisis. 

  I don’t like surprises, and I’m not a fan of change. I like things to be dependable and reliable. Yet too often, just as I’m getting my feet under me, when I’m beginning to enjoy my life, then I get slammed with a new crisis. It either sets me back, or makes the way forward much more difficult. 

  Change is part of life. We cannot avoid it. Change can keep us fresh, reignite our energies, and bring new opportunities. But not all change is good. Why does God allow new problems into our lives? How can we keep the faith when our faith seems too small for the tasks ahead? 

  One thing that helps me is to look back at past accomplishments and victories. It is encouraging to recall dark times when everything seemed against me, when there was no light at the end of the tunnel, and yet God miraculously brought me through.  

  Remind yourself of the successes in your life, the many times things could have gone badly, and instead God gave you the victory. Add up your accomplishments and consider whether the current challenges and hardships can compare to what you have already survived and overcome. 

  Since you belong to Jesus He will enable you to overcome the added challenges and difficulties in your life. Remind yourself of that truth often, especially if you find yourself in a faith crisis. And if Jesus is not your Lord, what are you waiting for? I guarantee you He will give you strength in your affliction, peace in your times of fear, and faith to enable you to overcome the challenges in your life. 

  We cannot avoid changes and challenges in life, but obstacles need not cause us to have a faith crisis. Strengthen your faith by reading the Bible, by praying, by sharing your concerns with God. Remind yourself of the many difficulties Jesus has already brought you through. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, be the Lord of our life, and enable us to keep faith through all of the challenges we face. Amen.