Aug2014_Faith & Living
When disaster strikes… none of us lives in a capsule that insulates us from life’s crisis’ and the thing about being broadsided by an unexpected life event is that “you never saw it coming!” Whether it be a sudden illness, death of a loved one, bad news from afar, a car accident or whatever, it can suddenly plunge us from ‘cruise mode’ into a blackness of shock, despair and even eventually depression.
During my ministry life I’ve been involved with hundreds of families who have been suddenly broadsided by something unforseen and Judy and I have even had our own fair share. Here’s a few things I’ve learned about how to cope…
Be prepared. Live your life in such a way that you are at least prepared should anything hit you from left-field. We get insurance for most things but for our emotions and personal well-being the only way to be anchored is to have God as our refuge and strength. A personal walk with God and a daily moment spent in quiet prayer and meditation in the Bible is preparation against whatever may come your way. David, who had his fair share of ‘life events’ said, “You are my high tower, my refuge, my strength.” – Psalm 18. I’ve noticed that many people don’t turn to God or even give Him a second thought until disaster strikes. Then they’re either all over Him or angry at Him for not preventing it. Today is always a good time to start with God.
Call to God first. I’m not talking about running off to church or to a minister. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a field, an office or a mine shaft, God is there. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46
In 2010, Chilean miners were trapped underground for 3 months – “We realized however that we had only one alternative,” Henriquez said. “And that was God himself.” Henriquez explained they had many needs underground, and that they were running out of food. “So we decided that unless God did a miracle there would be no way out,” he said.
Call one other friend. We all need one close friend who doesn’t mind what time of the day or night we might call in a crisis. When a crisis strikes we go into shock. Shock can immobilise us. I recently had a broadside situation where I called a close friend. He not only sympathised but brought wise words of advice, encouragement, perspective and strength.
Grieve for a season. If you have experienced personal loss, especially of a loved one, then you need to understand that grief is a good thing and is part of the healing process. It is a process that isn’t over in a week or two. In some ways it’s never over. However, it’s important to not get trapped in one of the stages of grief and not move on. Judy and I ran a Divorce Recovery Workshop for quite a few years and we had over 900 people attend the 6 week program. Many folk would tell me that after their spouse left, their life had gone into a holding pattern and they felt like they’d just been treading water – some for 15 years or more. There comes a time to throw off the mourning clothes and begin to live again.
There are people in the community who can help. You don’t have to do it alone.
Gary Levens is pastor of Dayboro Church www.dayborochurch.com
