What to do in a crisis (2)

“They threw the ship’s tackle overboard.”

Ac 27:19 NIV

Don’t discard what’s important. Things didn’t get any better on the apostle Paul’s voyage to Rome. “We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard” (vv. 18-19 NIV). Note the things they discarded: (a) Their cargo—that which is precious and valuable. (b) The ship’s tackle—the very thing that could have stabilized them. (c) Their food—that which they needed to sustain them. (d) Themselves—they all jumped overboard and started swimming to shore. When we find ourselves in a crisis, we’re tempted to ditch the very things we need most—things that are important to us; values we’ve hung on to in better times. Under pressure we want to get rid of it all. We become compulsive. We give up on our dreams. We run out on our relationships. We throw away the important principles we learned as children. Joshua told the children of Israel, “But you are to hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have until now” (Jos 23:8 NIV). Instead of doubting God’s promise to you, stand even more firmly on it. Instead of abandoning His plan and purpose for your life, tighten your grip on it. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1Co 15:58 NIV). “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Php 1:27 NIV). That’s how you survive—and thrive in a crisis.

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