2Cor.4v8-9: We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

I hope you have been enjoying this series of messages on managing crisis effectively. Your heavenly Father wants you to be a better crisis manager like Apostle Paul was, i.e. as we can see from our text scripture in 2Cor.4v8-9. In our discussion from our last lesson, I explained to you that crisis would test and prove you in many ways. This is why you need to respond in the right manner. Today by his grace, I want to go further in sharing with you the other ways crisis comes to test and try us.

THE WAYS CRISIS TEST US:

1. Crisis will test the kind of stuff you are made up of. What kind of stuff are you made up of? Are you dependable or unreliable? Are you courageous or fearful? Are you made up of gold, silver, or precious stones? Or are you made up of clay, stubble, or wood? Whatever you are made up of will usually come out of the surface during the time of Crisis. You can’t really hide it from others. So if you don’t like what is coming out, then you need to sow the right kind of seeds into your life and heart. You need to come under a new management of God so that you can bring forth the right kind of stuff (1Cor.3v11-14). May this be your testimony in Jesus name, amen.
   
2. Crisis will test your true identity. Crisis will actually reveal and also produces strength of character. So if you really want to know the worth or true identity of a man, wait till a time of crisis. It was the crisis that Ruth faced that revealed her true identity. She stood strong and tall while her sister-in-law (Oprah) caved in under pressure. The crisis that both of them faced revealed their true character. This is why two people can go through the same thing, but their outcomes will be different because their strength of character is not the same. The story can be different for you if you will allow God to season and help you during the challenges of life. I pray that as you surrender and walk with the Lord, a new and better you will emerge in Jesus name, amen (Ruth 1v14-18).
   
3. Crisis will test your faith. Crisis is a time of testing your faith. In fact, nothing challenges our faith other than the crisis of life. So if your faith is being subjected to test and trials, rejoice for you in the right company. Your faith will come out stronger and better than before if you have the right kind of mindset. Affliction has advantages, provided you have the right kind of attitude and approach to it. Usually, the crisis of life comes to put your faith to the test to see whether it will stand or fall. But glory be to Jesus; your faith will come out victorious if you refuse to cave in or give up. You need to allow God to perfect his works in your life. Don’t abort the process. Great faith usually comes out of great trials. So, dearly beloved, you need to hold onto your faith regardless of the challenges around you. You will prevail if you faint not in Jesus name, amen (Pet.1v6-7).

Precious child of the Most High, I want you to know that whatsoever the crisis of life has to offer you, know that you are never alone and that you have what it takes to overcome. I see you winning and triumphing over the crisis of life in Jesus name, amen.

Other Scriptural References: (Heb.3v6, 14: 10v35-39; Lk.22v31-32; 1Cor.16v13; Jam.1v2-4; Matt.26v33-35; 2Tim.4v10; Jn.6v66; Matt.7v16; Deut.8v2-3).

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, by your strength and wisdom, I know that I will overcome whatsoever crisis of life comes my way in Jesus name, amen. This is my faith and confession that I release in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: By the grace and help of God, I triumph in every battle of life. The crisis of life will not get the better part of me. Instead, I am victorious and triumphant in the crisis of life. I come out on top in every battle of life. I pass whatever kind of tests that the crisis of life has to offer me. I am on the winning side and not the losing side. Glory be to Jesus for I am perfecting my capacity to handle the crisis of life effectively.

Pastor Yemi Adeoti

Yemi Adeoti is a pastor, teacher, life coach and mentor & also a prolific writer.