With so many crises surrounding us today from the pandemic, civil unrest, wildfires and the economic collapse we may question our own resilience and ability to recover. When Dr. HB London was with Focus on the Family helping pastors in crisis, he made the profound statement: “What we are in any great moment is what we have become before it occurs.” Often the greatest moments in our lives are the hardest and stretch us beyond ourselves. This means our readiness to face these “tests” will largely be a result of the resilience we have already prepared for and exercised spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
The New England Journal of Medicine found that 90% of those in crisis will ask: “Where is God in this?” The spiritual component is critical to a full and healthy recovery from a crisis. Just as one’s emotional wellbeing is important in healing from trauma long term, so is cultivating a healthy mindset in moving forward along with the obvious - physical recovery. When we are in a better position to help others spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically when a crisis occurs we actually recover more quickly and stronger ourselves. Preparedness and building resilience then, is both wise from our own survival view, as well as others.
But Scripture reminds us we have a choice to make:
“A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 27:12
Scripture also says to be ready to give an answer for the Hope of Christ within us in I Peter 3:15. Have you ever wondered how resilient you are to face crises whether large or small, known or unknown? Do you know what the Bible says about being ready? Ready for what? Are you a ReadyChristian for these uncertain times?
To find out try answering these ten questions with either "Yes" or "No":
1. Do you know the top one or two emergency threats or risks in your neighborhood?
2. Do you have plans and resources in place to help you and your family fully recover spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically before, during and after a crisis?
3. Do you have plans in place to help friends or neighbors find safety or recover in an emergency?
4. Have you conducted an assessment to identify security concerns and potential risk factors which may have changed in your neighborhood within the past year?
5. Do you have plans in place for your residence in case of a natural disaster or security incident?
6. Have you practiced safety drills with your family for different types of incidents within the past year?
7. Do you have an agreement with at least two other families in your immediate neighborhood to help each other in the event of an emergency?
8. Do you know how to pray, care for and sensitively share the Gospel message to bring hope and calm in a crisis?
9. Do you have strong Christian relationships in place to draw upon in an emergency?
10. Do you believe you are prepared to respond and help others in any emergency?
Each of these questions is biblically based. So, if you answered “NO” or are unsure about any of these questions, don’t look away from the problems in front of you. Rather, thank God He has shown you what is ahead and seize the opportunity to prepare while you can. CEN’s self-study guide, videos, timely and actionable information for Christians, and many other resources which are found in ReadyChristian will help you discover your level of readiness, get biblically prepared to stand against that day!
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