December 10th
Life Is Not Like a Medical Flat Liner
I have literally just gotten off the phone with a person IN A CRISIS. Naturally, I can't diverge the conversation. But I can tell you that it is - what word can I use?? BAD - HORRIBLE - HEAVY - words are inadequate to describe the crisis this person is going through.
It is interesting that several hours before I got the phone call in my office I was reading the meaning of a crisis. Before I relate that article to you, let me refer you to Mr. Webster. He says regarding "crisis" (1) Medically: That change in a disease which indicates whether the result is to be recovery or death. Or (2) The decisive moment; turning point. (3) A crucial time; specific the culminating point of a period of business prosperity. I want to emphasis (2)
The crisis in my life are those peaks of decision and/or change. I recall at a seminar once we were asked to draw a straight line. At the left end - put our birth and the right end, the present day. Then we were instructed to make a graft of our life - indicating "peaks" of decision, difficulties, illness, etc. etc. In retrospect, each "peak" was a very crucial time in my life.
But, back to the article I read this morning. In the Chinese language (those reading from that country can correct me, if necessary) the word "crisis" is very interesting. The word is more than suggestive! I am told that it is made up of two characters. One "way" the other "gee" Each of these is, like a half of a word. The first = "danger", the second = "opportunity". So a literal definition would be a DANGEROUS OPPORTUNITY. How about that!!! So a crisis IS an opportunity.
That word to myself and to that lady and to you, my dear friend, is IN a crisis look for the OPPORTUNITY. Sound strange??
For the person on the phone, indeed, an opportunity to be strong in a certain area. Let the crisis of her event be a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. Are you reading me??
Let's read God's Word in 1 Cor 10:13,Please, instead of looking down during/in a crisis, look THROUGH it to victory...and as an opportunity.
My prayer for you
It is good to know, Lord, that you are ever with us and especially so during a crisis. In them all, may we look to you for guidance, direction, comfort and peace. Then I ask, for this one, in the name of Jesus, that you will let them have your eyes to see the opportunity.
Amen