Behind every crisis is the temptation of fear. It is certainly true that the current state of the economy has resulted in a lot of fear. This fear has been encouraged by the media. Fear has the capacity to snatch us right out of the present and into either the past or the future-often both at once! I generally react to fear much the way a cat does to bathwater-by flailing away with all the paws and claws at my disposal in an effort to make the crisis go away. When crises come, I can deny their reality or I can overreact in an effort to fix everything right away, often without stopping to figure out what the real problems are.

            In the Bible, supernatural experiences such as the appearance of angels or the sudden appearance of the resurrected Jesus were generally accompanied by the message, "Don't be afraid." This is more than common sense or angelic sensitivity to the mere mortal experiencing what can be called a crisis. The learning is this: how we respond to crises holds tremendous opportunity for growth and happiness. It seems to me that the space created by any crisis is a spiritual space in which we can meet God in one-to-one relationship.

            This is not to say that crises are blessings. Danger, loss, and pain are real and not necessary to be sought. Fear is a natural response out of a desire to protect ourselves and our loved ones. But fear is only a step on the journey. In many ways, fear represents an entry way to the narrow gate and the winding road that lead to life. Fear can be a signal that we are in a significant holy space and that God is also present in that space and in that present moment. As we are able to move through that fear, trusting in God's presence and providence, we can find growth, a sense of abundance and blessing, on the journey.

Thanks for continuing to bless me as we journey together.  

Jack F. Price, Senior Pastor

Crossroads Church

Kansas City, MO        

(816) 931-8420

If you haven't read Jack's book Finding Faith: Honest Answers about God, the Bible, and the Church Today order it today: www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com

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