People face awful days when everything appears to go wrong It usually happens when we focus all our energies on trying to resolve some dilemna, whether it has to do with finances, family, or personal relationships. What should be our reponse when these crises surface in our lives?
Financial Crisis
When I first met Trinity, she was the owner of a small storefront with living quarters in the back where she lived with her husband and daughter. Although he had a great personality, was likeable, and people trusted her, she was going through a terrible financial crisis. Trinity had borrowed money from family and friends to open what we might call a small convenience store. Everything seemed to be going well with the store, until she discovered she wasn’t earning enough money to repay her creditors. Trinity’s live was haunted by those who wanted returns on their investments.
Family Crisis
Trinity’s mom constantly derided her, telling her what she should have done with her business. Because of her financial problems she was despised by everyone in her family except her husband. Although Trinity loved her family and usually enjoyed being with them, they berated her to the point where she was often driven to tears.
On the Run
To find some relief from her creditors that were continually bothering her, Trinity had learned how to make herself scarce during those times when they would come looking for her. Nobody was certain of her whereabouts or when she would return. Even her friends had difficulty staying in contact with her. She changed the hours she kept the store open, knowing that her regular customers would abandon her in search of a store that kept regular hours.
A Tearful Story
One day as I talked with her she poured out her heart concerning the horrible situation she was in. She explained how she had turned to other resources for help, only to be rejected on every side. It was so upsetting to her that she couldn’t help but weep. Trying to console her with words seemed to do no good, so a friend and I listened to her for over an hour as she unloaded her burden upon us.
An Inportant Question
On another occassion when Trinity was telling us about her problems, I saw an image in my mind that I had not seen the other day. I interrupted her. “Let me make sure that I understand you correctly,” I began. “Everywhere you turn to for help you only find those who are against you. Is that right?” She reassured me that I was aware of her predicament. “Have you ever considered looking up?” I inquired before she proceeded. The question rendered her practically speechless. Apparently she had not considered that option.
Looking Up
It was unsurprising to me that Trinity had not thought about taking her problems to God. Most people do not consider their Creator at all, not even when they are looking for a resolution to their problems. Yet God was the One Who had allowed Trinity to find no escape from her predicament. Why would it be the case? God desired that she gaze to Him. God wanted Trinity to know what He says in the Bible and make those truths a part of her life.
Resolving the CrisesGod was using the circumstances in Trinity’s life to motivate her to learn about Him. In order to learn about Him, Trinity first had to realize that she was a sinner. That was her downfall. God also wanted her to understand that Jesus Christ loved her and wanted to have a close relationship with her. When she saw what Christ did for her, she placed her faith in Him to forgive her of her sins. At that moment, not only did she receive forgiveness, she also began a relationship with the best friend she ever had.
A New Life
Now that Trinity had a new relationship with God, her desires began to change. As she read and understood the Bible, her liefe completely changed. She was able to make amends with her family, get a paying job, and pay off all of her creditors. Once again Trinityy is the likeable lady that everyone trusts and loves. But now there is a difference in her. She has Jesus Christ as her best friend. And she loves to tell what He did for her.
What about you? Did you read this because things are going wrong in your life? Have you ever thought about looking up?
