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SURVIVING A CRISIS Pt 2

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:3

Surviving a crisis and turning it into growth means adjusting your thoughts, and developing new beliefs about your life. It may be painful to look into the facts of your crisis, but just as lancing a boil is a necessary first step to healing, facing the facts is the first step toward becoming whole again. Those who grow through a crisis learn which hopes, dreams and expectations were violated by the event. First they identify where the repair work is needed, then they develop a road map for the future. Often you’re left with the feeling that ‘nothing will ever be the same again’. That’s normal. You may even have to make adjustments in how you work, where you spend your leisure time, and how you relate to your family and friends. Remember, it’s the nature of a crisis to shake up your stable world. But it also forces you to reach deep within yourself, to find streams of hidden strength, courage, and hope you never knew existed. You may not feel courageous or hopeful right now, but that doesn’t mean those things aren’t there just waiting to be tapped! Even though you don’t have strength today, you can call on the One Who does. Listen: “The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge’’ (Psalm 18:2). Inner healing begins when you give up hope for a better yesterday and take the first step toward making a better tomorrow.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are the only solid, steady force in my life. Help me as I hold on to you for my strength and guidance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen