A number of years ago a pastor friend of mine from another state was visiting my home when he received a late night phone call. It was bad news.
His wife, who was three months pregnant, had been taken to the hospital. She was paralyzed from the waist down and had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In addition, she had lost her sight, which they discovered was caused by a tumor behind her eyes.
The life of their baby was now in jeopardy. They didn’t know how things would turn out… and there was no way my friend could get home until late the next day.
When he hung up the phone, he told us the news and asked us to join him in prayer. He said something like this: “Lord, I know you love me. I know you love my wife. I just ask You to take care of her in Jesus’ name. Amen.” That was it. I couldn’t believe it! I was expecting to be a part of an all night prayer meeting.
I couldn’t work it out… at least not immediately. But it eventually dawned on me that he had a lot more faith than I did. My friend prayed about it, put it in God’s hands, and there was nothing else he could do.
Instead of panicking, he handled it with supernatural peace.
Have you received some bad news lately? Maybe it was a bad report about your health, or the health of a relative or friend. Maybe you’re facing marriage problems… or financial problems… or you have other worries that seem beyond your ability to cope with.
Whenever bad news comes, the temptation is to panic. But there is another way to respond. In the second chapter of Daniel there is a fascinating example of this.
If you read that chapter, you find that Daniel was presented with a life-threatening situation and yet he managed to keep his composure… and take positive steps forward, which ultimately changed the outcome of his situation. How did he do it?
Well, Daniel understood some things about the character of God. He understood that God has all power… all wisdom… and that He wants to help in times of trouble.
In the midst of his crisis, Daniel reminded himself of who God is.
Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the seasons, He removes kings and raises up kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21).
At one of the worst moments of his life—when confusion and panic were all around—Daniel reminded himself of what the Bible says… that God is good… He is merciful, kind and faithful… and He is an ever-present help in times of trouble.
And by remembering what God is like… and what He promises in His Word… Daniel was able to resist panicking when he was faced with a crisis. My friend was the same. And thankfully, there was an incredible outcome to his situation too.
Within hours of his simple, faith-filled prayer, my friend’s wife was completely healed! The symptoms of MS disappeared… and where there had been a tumor there was only a sac that had once contained a tumor. She also gave birth six months later to a healthy baby boy.
I want to encourage you today—God knows what you are going through right now—and He does want to help you.
No matter what crisis comes your way, don’t panic! Resist the temptation to be gripped by fear. Rather, remind yourself of who God is, and fix your mind on the promises in His Word.
Remember, the Lord loves you, and He cares deeply about your situation. In your time of crisis, let Him go to work on your behalf!