I’ve read that the word “Crisis” comes to us from Latin, but
its root comes from Greek and means at its most basic root, “Turning Point.” That’s
interesting. If there is one fact of life we all can agree upon it is that life
has its share of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats. But what if it’s the low points, the
negatives that come our way that God uses to elevate us to become the person we
were created to be? What if it is the struggles,
and even the occasional crisis, that becomes our greatest asset? I know it sounds strange but what if when we
put our obstacles into the hands of Jesus the obstacle actually becomes an
opportunity for us to dive to a deeper depth in God than we could ever have
reached otherwise?
What if?
The eleventh chapter of the Biblical book
of Hebrews has been referred to as God’s Hall of Faith chapter. The writer gives a snapshot summary of some
of the most incredible stories in the Bible. They are stories of inspiration
and encouragement. This chapter is
filled with ordinary people who had extraordinary experiences with God. In the
reading we are reminded of people like Noah who built an Ark, Moses who lead
the Israelites across the Red Sea, Abraham and Sarah who had a miracle baby,
Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and the list goes on.
At one point in the chapter the author is so overcome with inspiration that
he writes,
“And what more shall I say? For the time
would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
33 who through faith subdued kingdoms,
worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of
the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned
to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women
received their dead raised to life again.” (Hebrews 11: 32-35,
NKJV).
You can sense the writer’s passion. The
chapter is a fascinating read and holds great value for us. However, if you are
like me, you can find yourself reading these stories of conquest, deliverance,
and faith and the thought will cross your mind that you may not measure up next
to these giants of the faith. That’s
when you scroll down the page and read the beginning of the next chapter,
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded
by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews
12:1, NKJV).
God gives us the privilege of reading about
these men and women of faith not to discourage us, but to light a fire in our
soul. We have been given these
testimonies to ignite a drive in us that says, “If they could hold on to their faith in God, overcome against all
odds and turn their obstacles into opportunities, so can I.”
How true that is. When you and I face obstacles in life I think
it is important for us to remember some basic truths…
1) Everyone has struggles.
All the great men and women in the Bible
had to overcome great difficulties. Don’t
think you are an exception. Hold on.
2) There are no great achievements
without opposition.
Had there not been a Goliath, you probably
would have never heard of David. Without
a flood you wouldn’t know the name Noah.
The crisis may be your turning point.
3) It is all about perspective.
The patrons of the faith saw their hurdles
as something to overcome with God’s help, not as a barrier they couldn’t get
through.
4) Faith is essential.
In Hebrews chapter 12, verse 2, it says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher
of our faith…” Put your faith in
Jesus, He is greater than any obstacle you will ever face. Remember, if death could not hold Jesus down,
there is nothing that can.
Life won’t always be easy, but when we
follow the pattern set by those who have gone before us, God can turn our
obstacles into opportunities. Who knows,
yours may be the next inspirational story that helps someone hold on and make
it through.
