Where To Turn In Times of Crisis

Before the days of GPS, while traveling, I would often have to stop and ask for directions. Inevitably, while giving the directions, the person would tell me how far to travel, where to turn and which way to turn. In times of crisis it is important that we know where to turn. During a time of national crisis, Nehemiah turned to God.

Nehemiah turned to God in desperation, “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). When we find ourselves in a crisis, or when our nation is in a crisis, the first place we need to turn is to God in desperation. He’s our only hope!

Nehemiah also turned to God in adoration, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5). As we invest time adoring Him, our focus will shift from the things of this world to the One who holds the world in His hands. As we adore Him we will be reminded that our hope is in the Lord.

Nehemiah also turned to God in intercession, “Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants” (Nehemiah 1:6). For three to fourth months, day and night, Nehemiah interceded on behalf of his people. He asked God to be attentive and hear his prayers. It was during Nehemiah’s time of intercession that God began to reveal His plan for the people of Judah as well as how Nehemiah would be a part of that plan.

Nehemiah also turned to God in confession, “confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses” (Nehemiah 1:6-7). Nehemiah confessed the sins of his people, his own sins and the sins of his family. He confessed their corrupt actions and their disobedience to God’s word.

When we are in a crisis—whether individually or as a nation—we should always follow Nehemiah’s example by turning to God in desperation, in adoration, in intercession, in confession. After all, God and God alone is our only hope!

Can God Use Me?

There are Christians who feel that God cannot use them. They believe they have “messed up” too bad to ever be used by God. They are filled with guilt and struggle to forgive themselves. They wonder, “How could God ever forgive me, never alone use me?” If this describes you then I have good news: God not only forgives us when we confess our sin to Him (1 John 1:9), He can and will use us for His glory if we will only make ourselves available to Him (2 Timothy 2:21).

There are many examples in Scripture, but for the sake of time and space, I will name two. The first is a man named Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul. Paul persecuted Christians. In fact, he was an eyewitness to the stoning death of Stephen, and even approved of Stephen’s murder. And yet, God saved Paul (Acts 9:1-19). He not only forgave his sins but He also called Paul into ministry. Paul went on to become a great missionary and church planter. With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he authored 13 books of the New Testament. The second example is an un-named woman who Jesus met at a well while waiting for His disciples. This woman had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband. No doubt she had a reputation in her community! However, she met Jesus and was changed! Scripture tells us that many from her town believed in Jesus because of her testimony (John 4:5-42). God used both a former persecutor and an adulterer for His glory! These two examples reveal that God is able to turn anyone’s life around to be used for His divine purposes. So, regardless of what you have done in the past, if you have confessed your sin you are forgiven and God can—and wants to—use you for His glory.

A modern day example is the late Chuck Colson. In the early 70’s Colson served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon. During his service, he was known as the White House "hatchet man" and was feared by many. By his own admission he was guilty of political "dirty tricks" and willing to do almost anything for the cause of his president and his party. Colson pled guilty to Watergate-related charges and spent seven months in prison. But God saved Colson and over the past 40 years he was used by God. He founded Prison Fellowship, an outreach organization assisting prisoners, ex-prisoners, victims, and affected families. Colson also authored more than 30 books. You can learn more about him here. I would also encourage you to read the following articles: Ed Stetzer, Vice President of Research and Ministry Development for LifeWay Christian Resources, writes an excellent article here; and, Russell Moore, dean of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, writes an article here which is worthy of your time.

So, can God use you for His glory? Absolutely! Don’t believe the lies of the enemy. Don’t remain on the sidelines. Remember, when we confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). The psalmist tells us that as far as the east is from the west, so far does he [God] remove our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12). So, if you’re on the sidelines then get up and get in the game. God wants to use you for His glory. Let’s be faithful to live our lives to bring God much glory!