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How Do You Respond In Crisis?

By Pastor Paula White

Published: November 29, 2011

A very wise man once told me: “The difference between problems and crises is not necessarily in their size or the degree of upheaval they cause. The difference is that problems are slow – and crises are sudden.”

I believe this is an accurate statement. Problems arise gradually…but a crisis is like a sudden T-intersection that demands immediate attention.

It may come upon us suddenly -- or we may find that problems that have built slowly over time suddenly hit a crisis point. Maybe the funds have been depleting for months, but now the account is empty…or, ongoing budget problems and threatened lay-offs end suddenly on a Friday with a pink-slip…or, arguments that have been escalating for years in a family end up with someone walking out one night – for good.

The fact is, there’s no maintaining the status quo once you reach the crisis point. This is the time when action is required. It is a place of choice, with a decision that must be made. You may sit at the stop sign for a little while, but eventually you will have to make a decision – and the greater the crisis, it seems, the greater the urgency to decide.

Because of the pressure involved in a crisis situation, people tend to either turn towards what is good and godly to sustain them, or they will spiral downwards, into that which is negative and ungodly.

I have noticed three ways that people behave when responding to crises:

1. Exaggerated emotions. When a crisis occurs, emotions tend to become exaggerated – and exaggerated emotions can lead to:

• Blame. You may be completely innocent when it comes to the reason for the crisis, but that won’t keep others from blaming you for what’s going on. Likewise, you may feel the urge or need to find someone to blame when your emotions get the best of you in a crisis situation.

• Vacillations. People who react negatively in a time of crisis can show vast extremes of temperament. They can be overly protective and smothering in their kindness one minute, and then extremely rejecting and angry the next.

• Combativeness. People who react negatively in crisis situations often turn on those closest to them, seeking someone to be the focal point for their frustrations and anger. Sometimes they will lash out without even meaning to. Because ‘close people’ are viewed as the ‘safest people’ we tend to hurt the people we love the best.

2. Motives and Loyalties are Revealed. During a crisis you will discover who your true friends are. A crisis separates your critics from your companions! When King Saul turned against David, only Saul’s son, Jonathan stood by David in loyalty – although up to that time, David had been the darling of the palace! Don’t assume that those who seem to be in your favor and are loyal to you will still be loyal if your popularity or prosperity should take a turn for the worse for a season. Don’t be surprised when even your ‘close’ friends don’t know how to handle your turmoil or minister to you in your pain. Recognize that accepting their limitations is a part of the process you must go through.

3. Flee or Fight Response. A crisis can bring about an instinct to either flee or stand up and fight. Our response is usually fast, spontaneous, and, at times, retaliatory. King Saul reacted to David’s soothing music with a burst of jealousy and the throwing of a javelin at him – the exact opposite of a reasonable, rational response! David had to act immediately – if he hadn’t, he would have been killed. Saul’s actions were based on his compulsion to be number one – and to punish David for his growing popularity and renown. I have witnessed similar destructive behaviors in contemporary relationships, where one person’s negative behavior directed at the other person causes a systematic breakdown of their friendship or union. In some cases, God will lead you to “duck and run” – at least temporarily. This is especially true of situations involving abuse. It is important to recognize that as you move away from some circumstances that seem intent upon your destruction, God is preparing you for even greater strength and an even more effective life in your future.

However you respond in crisis, it will take courage to trust that God’s leading will be revealed to you. It takes real courage to hold a steady course and maintain faithfulness when it seems as if God isn’t speaking or acting as quickly as we wished.

Even in times of crisis, remember this: God is always at work, arranging all things for our good – even when it isn’t evident to us. Avoid the temptation to take matters into your own hands without consulting God first. And pray for the courage to hold yourself in check until God says, “Act now.”

During times of crisis, it is vital that we step back and take a good look at the challenge. We must try not to react to it, but to respond to it. Even the most immediate crisis can usually be broken down into bite-sized pieces, if we can manage to take a deep breath and gain perspective on the situation.

Remember: the same God who started the good work in your life is the one who will finish further and execute it – even in times of crisis!

© Pastor Paula White. All rights reserved.

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