Can We Prepare for a Crisis?
Crisis.
There is a lot of it in the world right now.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, fires and nuclear threats.
Yesterday, we celebrated the sixteen anniversary of a major crisis in our country, 9-11. We can all remember where we were when the first terrorist plane slammed into the World Trade Center Tower. Where were you?
I was over Public Relations at San Antonio International Airport and in just a few seconds, my job transformed from editing company publications and planning ribbon cuttings to 24-7 media relations. The people of our community wanted to know “Is our airport safe?” It was my job to reassure them.
In my heart, I was just as worried about our country’s future as anyone else. We were not impenetrable. Would there be more terrorism? Was anyone really safe?
In the middle of the chaos, I attended a church service to remember the victims of 9-11 and to center myself again. When chaos reigns around us, I realized there is only one stable rock, Jesus Christ.
I prayed.
I worshiped.
I cried.
The peace that passes all understanding flooded my soul. It was what I needed to equip myself so I could return to thousands of questions about airport security.
I have prayed fervently for those devastated by Harvey, and now Hurricane Irma. Two of my former co-workers in television were trapped on one of the British Virgin Islands. I watched them call on the name of the Lord to be rescued, and they were.
We can prepare ourselves spiritually before the crisis comes by memorizing Scripture and through a fervent relationship with the Lord, in advance of the storm. Here is one passage to claim no matter what crisis you face:
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:16–19).
God always does his best work in the storms of life, but we have to call on His name and cling to Him so the floodwaters won’t overtake us.