Crisis Mode - A Communal Conundrum

 

Crisis Mode - A Communal Conundrum 

Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

 “Yes, Lord!” he replied.

The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. (Acts 9:10-19 NLT)

Being back in Texas to spend some time with Mom for a few days has reminded me of three things:

1. I loathe big cities…

2. I loathe traffic…

3. I loathe the “Mix Master.” 

Now, if you’ve never seen or driven through the mix master in DFW (and the spider web of cloverleaf exchanges the different roads offer) well, let me tell you - when you first experience it you will say within your heart - “There is no way out of this!”

It is much the same with us during our everyday lives. We encounter moments in our lives - sometimes daily - when we don’t see a way out.

“How am I going to pay this bill?”

“I wonder what news the doctor will give me?”

“They are probably going to fire me for that…”

“Why does God not answer my prayers?”

“Will people ever love me for me?”

We are human. Our thoughts are human. Our feelings are human. Our perspectives are human. 

We can only react as we have been created to react.

 And often, we react as if we are stuck on the mix master and don’t know how in the world we are going to get off or make it out. 

This had to be similar to the feelings that both Saul and Ananias had some 2000 years ago.

Saul, who was on his way to continue to disrupt and destroy the “Way” is struck blind and has to be led to the home of a stranger. Ananias is hiding to keep from being arrested and imprisoned by Saul…and yet, God commands him through a vision to go to the home where Saul is staying and pray for him so he will be able to see again.

Wow.

So, let’s break this conundrum down.

First, there is a crisis. 

Everyone of us encounters crisis moments. Sometimes, multiple crises at once. Some minor, some major. Some easy to handle - others life altering. Often, we find ourselves in full blown crisis mode.

Second, there is confusion.

We don’t know which way to go. We can’t figure out what is the first step. No one seems to understand. We are stuck - because our crisis has caused confusion.

Third, there is commitment. 

We make a decision. We become resolute in what we are going to do. We’ve determined to do what needs to be done.

Fourth, there is a conclusion. 

The crisis has come. Even in the midst of confusion, of what to do, you become committed to a way of dealing with it. Thus, the matter is concluded…

The only thing left? 

Living with the consequences.

In our story from the Acts of the Apostles we have Saul and Ananias. Both are experiencing a crisis. Both are confused as to what to do within their respective crises. Both make a commitment to do the next thing. This brings about the conclusion of the matter: God sends Ananias to bring Saul’s sight back; then God sends Saul to open the eyes of the world to the good news of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Speaking of consequences - both of these seemingly random crises, consequently lead to the gospel of Jesus Christ being proclaimed and shared throughout every part of the world.

If you are reading this - these two crises and their resolutions are the reason that you are even remotely interested in what we have to write. They are the reason you have purpose today. They are the reason your past does not dictate your future.

What about you? What crisis are you in right now? Know this - you are not alone. And, your crisis and its resolution may be what somebody else needs to hear about in order for them to make it through their crisis. 

After all, that’s why they call it “testimony.” 

The question? Will you stand up and testify?