Lately it seems as though we can barely make it through an entire week without hearing about a world crisis.
Whether it’s terrorism or genocide, civil unrest or economic turmoil, the world is increasingly turbulent.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle with how to help my kids understand chaotic events that happen in the world – events I often have trouble understanding myself.
I’d like to encourage you today with the truth that troubling times are opportunities in disguise.
They’re opportunities to clarify our faith; to practice our trust; and to live out our beliefs in real-life ways.
For parents, troubling times offer us a goldmine of material for training our children in these areas, as well.
I recently wrote a post at Intoxicated on Life in which I share four steps we can take to make the most of opportunities presented by world crises – steps that will be helpful in your outlook whether or not you have children.
Here’s an excerpt:
Turmoil is never comfortable. In fact, a lot of the current havoc is downright painful. Agonizing, even.
And yet for Christian families, times of turbulence prompt us to recall that life circumstances bring opportunities for growth in our faith.
So how can you and I seize the opportunities presented by the modern-day storms, and encourage our kids to do the same?
1. Remember God’s character.
If we’re not careful, circumstances can lure our focus away from God, and in the process distort our idea of who He is. Taking some time to recenter on His character helps to build a solid foundation for our faith.
- He is sovereign. This doesn’t mean that He proximately causes every crisis, but it doesmean that He never wastes one. And so He can be trusted.
- He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is utterly unchanging. And so He can be trusted.
- He is a God of love, who is merciful, kind, patient, and good. And so He can be trusted.
- He is a God of justice, who takes up the cause of the poor, the needy, the fatherless, and the oppressed. He is powerful enough to right all the wrongs of the world, and one day He will. And so He can be trusted.
