The emergency department staff was concerned. The blood pressure reading was too low. So low that they thought the instruments were defective. Then they couldn’t get a temperature. This was a crisis that called for extreme protocols.
Just as we were whisked into the depths of the triage area, a soft bell sounded, and an announcement was made. “This is your morning encouragement: 2 Timothy 1:7 reads, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
I stood amazed, knowing that God was indeed preparing me for what lay ahead in the coming hours and days.
God is our good Father. He gives us “every good and perfect gift.” (James 1:17) He gave us our spirit, and, true to every angelic greeting in the Bible, He started with equipping us to “fear not.” We can trust God in every circumstance and know that He will work every event, even a crisis, for our good and for His glory. Why then, should we be afraid? John 16:33 Tells us, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” We are to be fearless—courageous!
I don’t know about you, but that gives me a feeling of power! Not in my own abilities, but in my capabilities because of Jesus! When we are in a crisis, we have to be powerful. We often are required to dig deep into our energy resources because of long hours, limited self-care, and hard news. Emotions are draining, and God gives us the power we need to keep going and to stand up to the task. Remember, even when we feel weakest, we have His power. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reads, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”
In the midst of a crisis, God creates a surrounding stillness that cannot be explained, only experienced. Not just the “peace that passes understanding,” but an atmosphere that allows us to employ the “sound judgment” that He provides. Questions are asked that need to be accurately answered—even when you are rocked by sudden illness. Decisions need to be made, and they need to be made immediately. Thoughts must be ordered and measured– and carried out in the right order and news delivered in the right way. None of that can be done in a manner that honors God apart from His gift of sound judgment. Judgment can often be equated with wisdom, and James 1:5 reminds us that “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”
Today, sister, He is with you in the midst of whatever crisis you are facing. He is sovereign and He is always in control. Fear not, feel His power, and be wise, because He has already given you everything you need.
