Can I be honest?

This week was ROUGH in the the Kilcoyne home. Every family has their ups and downs–we had more downs than ups this week and I had several moments when I just wanted to pack some bags and RUN. No matter how much faith you have, there will still be times when you ask the Lord to please pass “this cup” (insert your situation here) from you. Sometimes He delivers us right up out of a situation, problem immediately solved. Other times, He carries us through faithfully, and while I am so grateful for that, this week was one that I would have liked to simply been delivered from. Pass cup now please, I’d rather not have to go through this one. I have really been trying to be mindful lately about handling the curveballs of life in a more Christ like manner, asking often, what would Jesus do? When your facing crisis of any kind, it isn’t always easy to answer that question specifically, it takes some time with Him to process and sift through the situation and determine the best course of action. I am grateful for His guidance and this week has been no exception. Here is what I learned in a nutshell when a crisis rises up and you have no idea what to do:

1. Always Pray or cry out to your Lord first. – He is our Guide, Wisdom and Protector and even if it is a quick thought in your head, acknowledge Him as soon as you are in trouble. (Mine was simply, “Oh Lord help right now.”) (Phil 4: 6)
2. Second, recognize whether or not the situation is beyond you and get the necessary help. Call 911 if necessary, police, a trusted adviser or pastor. I am grateful for a community of believers that surround us with godly counsel. There truly is safety in the multitude of counselors and the Body of Christ covers you in times of distress. (Proverbs 24:6)
3. Do not suffer in silence, ask for prayer. This doesn’t mean that you have to tell everybody about your situation, but it does mean that when you need the power of agreement in prayer to support you, take the opportunity with bible believing Spirit-led people. (Matthew 18: 19-20)
4. When a situation stabilizes, turn to the Word of God as quickly as you can. There is no other real answer. His Word is our anchor in stormy weather, our foundation from which we cannot be moved. (1Cor 3:9-11)

Without the Lord, we are left to muddle through situations that arise on a daily basis all by ourselves. But with Him, He works all things for good for those who love Him and we are not alone. (Romans 8:28) And I do love Him, so I trust that all is being worked out for good in my situation. What about you? Do you love Him? If you answered yes, then you can trust Him too.