Surviving A Crisis

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

3 Levels of growth God desires to take us to:

1. Mature
James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature...
Mature is to be fit for the purpose and the assignment that God has for us in our life.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

“God is too good to be unkind. He is to wise to be confused. If I cannot trace His hand I can always trust His heart.” — Charles Spurgeon

When crisis comes into our lives and we’re mature in Christ, the crisis doesn’t throw us into a panic and we don’t bail on God.

Maturity = unwavering consistency.

2. Complete
James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete...

Crisis will do something to your character — it will always introduce you to yourself.

Crisis reveals your integrity (who you are in the dark)

Completeness comes through perseverance — not only the ability to bear things, but also the ability to turn them into greatness or glory.

Completeness comes through contentment:

Philippians 4:11, 12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

3. Not Lacking Anything
James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

When we learn to face crisis correctly, we experience survival frequently.

God is our invisible support.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

When we have nothing to lean on or cling to, we’re in good shape because we have nothing to reach for except God.

Battles produce maturity — maturity brings completeness — completeness is lacking nothing.

We need to allow our faith to carry us through times of crisis.