In Times Like These

“In general, it seems more like genuine personal dealing if God helps persons to meet danger and disaster outside their own selves and make something good out of them, than if he removes the difficulties so as to make circumstances easy for them.”  C. F. D. Moule

In times of crisis, disaster or chaos, we naturally turn to God and ask it to be removed. We tend not to lean on the understanding that God is within the crisis, disaster or chaos with us.

That “understanding” is usually called faith, the intimate relationship of knowing God, and we expect it will grow. I think the problem, as reflected in the quote above is that we expect faith to grow out of quiet reading of our Bibles, prayer-times and contemplation. Not saying it can’t grow through those, but I am saying it can equally grow within the times of great turmoil.

There are people who are going to face trauma by helping others, being patient and acting in ways that protect themselves and others. Within that, God will be shaping character, instilling courage and inciting compassion. God will shape the people who open themselves up to him, drawing them into a deeper relationship or faith. Jesus tells us that the more we open ourselves to that engagement with God’s Spirit in our souls, the more we can expect.

“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Mark 4:24